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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.71 by root, Fri Dec 7 20:13:09 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.144 by root, Mon Apr 7 12:33:29 2008 UTC

4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web 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
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56 70
57Libev 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
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
63communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
68watcher. 82watcher.
69 83
70=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
71 85
72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
82 96
83It also is quite fast (see this 97It also is quite fast (see this
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the 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
101called 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
102to 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
103it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
104 121
105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
106 123
107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
108library in any way. 125library in any way.
113 130
114Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 131Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
115C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 132C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
116you actually want to know. 133you actually want to know.
117 134
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140
118=item int ev_version_major () 141=item int ev_version_major ()
119 142
120=item int ev_version_minor () 143=item int ev_version_minor ()
121 144
122You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 145You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 146you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
124C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 147C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 148symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
126version of the library your program was compiled against. 149version of the library your program was compiled against.
127 150
151These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
152release version.
153
128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 154Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 155as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 156compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
131not a problem. 157not a problem.
132 158
133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
134version. 160version.
230 256
231An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 257An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
232types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 258types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
233events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 259events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
234 260
235If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
236in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
237create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
238whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
239threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
240done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
241
242=over 4 261=over 4
243 262
244=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 263=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
245 264
246This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 265This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
248false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 267false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
249flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 268flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
250 269
251If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 270If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
252function. 271function.
272
273Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
274from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
275as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
276
277The 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
279for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
280create 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
282C<ev_default_init>.
253 283
254The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 284The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
255backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 285backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
256 286
257The following flags are supported: 287The following flags are supported:
279enabling this flag. 309enabling this flag.
280 310
281This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 311This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
282and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 312and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
283iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 313iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
284Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 314GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
285without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 315without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
286C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 316C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
287 317
288The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 318The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
289forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 319forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
290flag. 320flag.
295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 325=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
296 326
297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 327This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
298libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 328libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
299but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 329but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
300using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 330using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
301the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 331usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
332
333To 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
335writing 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
337a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
338readyness notifications you get per iteration.
302 339
303=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 340=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
304 341
305And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 342And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
306select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 343than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
307number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 344limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
308lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 345considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
346i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
347performance tips.
309 348
310=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
311 350
312For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 351For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
313but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 352but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
314O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 353like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
315either O(1) or O(active_fds). 354epoll 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
356cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
357support for dup.
316 358
317While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 359While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
318result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 360will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
319(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 361(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
320best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 362best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
321well if you register events for both fds. 363very well if you register events for both fds.
322 364
323Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 365Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
324need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 366need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
325(or space) is available. 367(or space) is available.
326 368
369Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
370watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
371keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
372
373While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
374all kernel versions tested so far.
375
327=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 376=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
328 377
329Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 378Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
330was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 379was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
331anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 380with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
332completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 381it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
333unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 382unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
334C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 383C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
384system like NetBSD.
385
386You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
387only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
388the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
335 389
336It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 390It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
337kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 391kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
338course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 392course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
339extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 393cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
340incident, so its best to avoid that. 394two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
395drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
396
397This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
398
399While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
400everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
401almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
402(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
403(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
404sockets.
341 405
342=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 406=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
343 407
344This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 408This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
409implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
410and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
411immensely.
345 412
346=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 413=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
347 414
348This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 415This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
349it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 416it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
350 417
351Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 418Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
352notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 419notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
353blocking when no data (or space) is available. 420blocking when no data (or space) is available.
421
422While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
423file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
424descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
425might perform better.
426
427On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
428backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
429embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
354 430
355=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 431=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
356 432
357Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 433Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
358with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 434with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
359C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 435C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
360 436
437It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
438
361=back 439=back
362 440
363If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 441If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
364backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 442backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
365specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 443specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
366order of their flag values :)
367 444
368The most typical usage is like this: 445The most typical usage is like this:
369 446
370 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 447 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
371 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 448 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
385 462
386Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 463Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
387always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 464always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 465handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 466undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
467
468Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
469libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
470default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
390 471
391Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 472Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
392 473
393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 474 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
394 if (!epoller) 475 if (!epoller)
399Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 480Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
400etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 481etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
401sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 482sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
402responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 483responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
403calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 484calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
404the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 485the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
405for example). 486for example).
487
488Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
489this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
490would need to be stopped manually.
491
492In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
493rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
494pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
495C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
406 496
407=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 497=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
408 498
409Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 499Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
410earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 500earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
411 501
412=item ev_default_fork () 502=item ev_default_fork ()
413 503
504This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
414This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 505to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
415one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 506name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
416after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 507the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
417again makes little sense). 508sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
509functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
418 510
419You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 511On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
420only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 512process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
421fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 513you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
422 514
423The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 515The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
424it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 516it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
425quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 517quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
426 518
427 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 519 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
428 520
429At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
430without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
431do not need to care.
432
433=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 521=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
434 522
435Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 523Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
436C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 524C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 525after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
526
527=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
528
529Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
438 530
439=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 531=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
440 532
441Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 533Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
442the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 534the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
455 547
456Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 548Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
457received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 549received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
458change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 550change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
459time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 551time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
460event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 552event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
461 553
462=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 554=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
463 555
464Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 556Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
465after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 557after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
486libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 578libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
487usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 579usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
488 580
489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 581Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
490 582
491 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 583 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
492 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 584 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
585 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
586 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
493 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 587 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
494 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 588 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
495 - Update the "event loop time". 589 - Update the "event loop time".
496 - Calculate for how long to block. 590 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
591 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
592 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
593 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
497 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 594 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
498 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 595 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
499 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 596 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
500 - Queue all outstanding timers. 597 - Queue all outstanding timers.
501 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 598 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
502 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 599 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
503 - Queue all check watchers. 600 - Queue all check watchers.
504 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 601 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
505 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 602 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
506 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 603 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
507 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 604 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
508 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 605 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
606 continue with step *.
509 607
510Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 608Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
511anymore. 609anymore.
512 610
513 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 611 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
514 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 612 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
515 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 613 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
519 617
520Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 618Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
521has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 619has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
522C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 620C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
523C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 621C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
622
623This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
524 624
525=item ev_ref (loop) 625=item ev_ref (loop)
526 626
527=item ev_unref (loop) 627=item ev_unref (loop)
528 628
533returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 633returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
534example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 634example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
535visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 635visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
536no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 636no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
537way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 637way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
538libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 638libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
639(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
640respectively).
539 641
540Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 642Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
541running when nothing else is active. 643running when nothing else is active.
542 644
543 struct ev_signal exitsig; 645 struct ev_signal exitsig;
547 649
548Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 650Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
549 651
550 ev_ref (loop); 652 ev_ref (loop);
551 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 653 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
654
655=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
656
657=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
658
659These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
660for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
661invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
662
663Setting 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
665increase efficiency of loop iterations.
666
667The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
668handle 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
670events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
671overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
672
673By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
674time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
675at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
676C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
677introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
678
679Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
680to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
681latency (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
683any overhead in libev.
684
685Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
686interval 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
688usually 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.
552 690
553=back 691=back
554 692
555 693
556=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 694=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
656=item C<EV_FORK> 794=item C<EV_FORK>
657 795
658The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 796The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
659C<ev_fork>). 797C<ev_fork>).
660 798
799=item C<EV_ASYNC>
800
801The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
802
661=item C<EV_ERROR> 803=item C<EV_ERROR>
662 804
663An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 805An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
664happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 806happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
665ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 807ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
736=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 878=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
737 879
738Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 880Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
739events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 881events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
740is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 882is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
741C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 883C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
742libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 884make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
885it).
743 886
744=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 887=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
745 888
746Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 889Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
747 890
766watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first. 909watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
767 910
768If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 911If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
769you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 912you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
770 913
914You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
915pending.
916
771The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 917The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
772always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 918always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
773 919
774Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 920Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
775fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 921fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
776or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 922or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
923
924=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
925
926Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
927C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
928can deal with that fact.
929
930=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
931
932If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
933and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
934watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
777 935
778=back 936=back
779 937
780 938
781=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 939=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
866In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1024In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
867fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1025fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
868descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1026descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
869required if you know what you are doing). 1027required if you know what you are doing).
870 1028
871You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
872(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
873descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
874to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
875the same underlying "file open").
876
877If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1029If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
878(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1030(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
879C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1031C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
880 1032
881Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1033Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
891play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1043play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
892whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1044whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
893such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1045such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
894its own, so its quite safe to use). 1046its own, so its quite safe to use).
895 1047
1048=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1049
1050Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1051descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1052such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1053descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1054this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1055registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1056fact, a different file descriptor.
1057
1058To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1059the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1060will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1061it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1062you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1063descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1064
1065This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1066the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1067optimisations to libev.
1068
1069=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1070
1071Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1072but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1073have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1074events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1075
1076There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1077for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1078C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1079
1080=head3 The special problem of fork
1081
1082Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1083useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1084it in the child.
1085
1086To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1087C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1088enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1089C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1090
1091=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1092
1093While 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
1095gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1096programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1097undesirable.
1098
1099So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1100ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1101somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1102
1103
1104=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1105
896=over 4 1106=over 4
897 1107
898=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1108=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
899 1109
900=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1110=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
910=item int events [read-only] 1120=item int events [read-only]
911 1121
912The events being watched. 1122The events being watched.
913 1123
914=back 1124=back
1125
1126=head3 Examples
915 1127
916Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1128Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
917readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1129readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
918attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1130attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
919 1131
953 1165
954The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1166The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
955but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1167but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
956order of execution is undefined. 1168order of execution is undefined.
957 1169
1170=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1171
958=over 4 1172=over 4
959 1173
960=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1174=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
961 1175
962=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1176=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
970configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1184configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
971exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1185exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
972the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1186the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
973timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1187timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
974 1188
975=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1189=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
976 1190
977This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1191This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
978repeating. The exact semantics are: 1192repeating. The exact semantics are:
979 1193
980If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1194If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1015or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1229or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1016which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1230which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1017 1231
1018=back 1232=back
1019 1233
1234=head3 Examples
1235
1020Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1236Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1021 1237
1022 static void 1238 static void
1023 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1239 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1024 { 1240 {
1057but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1273but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1058to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1274to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1059periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1275periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1060+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1276+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1061take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1277take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1062roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1278roughly 10 seconds later).
1063again).
1064 1279
1065They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1280They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1066triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1281triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1282rules.
1067 1283
1068As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1284As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1069time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1285time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1070during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1286during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1071 1287
1288=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1289
1072=over 4 1290=over 4
1073 1291
1074=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1292=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1075 1293
1076=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1294=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1078Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1296Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1079operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1297operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1080 1298
1081=over 4 1299=over 4
1082 1300
1083=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1301=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1084 1302
1085In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1303In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1086C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1304C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1087that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1305that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1088system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1306system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1089 1307
1090=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1308=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1091 1309
1092In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1310In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1093C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1311C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1094of any time jumps. 1312and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1095 1313
1096This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1314This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1097time: 1315time:
1098 1316
1099 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1317 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1105 1323
1106Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1324Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1107C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1325C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1108time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1326time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1109 1327
1328For 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
1330this value.
1331
1110=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1332=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1111 1333
1112In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1334In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1113ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1335ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1114reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1336reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1115current time as second argument. 1337current time as second argument.
1116 1338
1117NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1339NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1118ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1340ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1119return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1341return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1120starting a prepare watcher). 1342starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1121 1343
1122Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1344Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1123ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1345ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1124 1346
1125 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1347 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1148Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1370Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1149when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1371when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1150a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1372a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1151program when the crontabs have changed). 1373program when the crontabs have changed).
1152 1374
1375=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1376
1377When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1378absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1379
1380Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1381timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1382
1153=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1383=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1154 1384
1155The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1385The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1156take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1386take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1157called. 1387called.
1160 1390
1161The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1391The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1162switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1392switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1163the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1393the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1164 1394
1395=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1396
1397When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1398trigger next.
1399
1165=back 1400=back
1401
1402=head3 Examples
1166 1403
1167Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1404Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1168system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1405system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1169potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1406potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1170 1407
1210with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1447with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1211as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1448as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1212watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1449watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1213SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1450SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1214 1451
1452If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1453C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly
1454interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by
1455signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1456them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1457
1458=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1459
1215=over 4 1460=over 4
1216 1461
1217=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1462=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1218 1463
1219=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1464=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1225 1470
1226The signal the watcher watches out for. 1471The signal the watcher watches out for.
1227 1472
1228=back 1473=back
1229 1474
1475=head3 Examples
1476
1477Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1478
1479 static void
1480 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1481 {
1482 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1483 }
1484
1485 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1486 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1487 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1488
1230 1489
1231=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1490=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1232 1491
1233Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1492Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1234some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1493some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1494is 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
1496loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1497
1498Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1499you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop.
1500
1501=head3 Process Interaction
1502
1503Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1504initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1505the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance
1506of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1507synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1508children, even ones not watched.
1509
1510=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1511
1512Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1513processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1514handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1515C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1516default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1517event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1518that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1519
1520=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1235 1521
1236=over 4 1522=over 4
1237 1523
1238=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1524=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1239 1525
1240=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1526=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1241 1527
1242Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1528Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1243I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1529I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1244at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1530at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1245the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1531the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1246C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1532C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1247process causing the status change. 1533process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1534activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1535activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1248 1536
1249=item int pid [read-only] 1537=item int pid [read-only]
1250 1538
1251The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1539The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1252 1540
1259The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1547The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1260C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1548C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1261 1549
1262=back 1550=back
1263 1551
1264Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1552=head3 Examples
1553
1554Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1555its completion.
1556
1557 ev_child cw;
1265 1558
1266 static void 1559 static void
1267 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1560 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1268 { 1561 {
1269 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1562 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1563 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1270 } 1564 }
1271 1565
1272 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1566 pid_t pid = fork ();
1273 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1567
1274 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1568 if (pid < 0)
1569 // error
1570 else if (pid == 0)
1571 {
1572 // the forked child executes here
1573 exit (1);
1574 }
1575 else
1576 {
1577 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1578 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1579 }
1275 1580
1276 1581
1277=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1582=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1278 1583
1279This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1584This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1308semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1613semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1309to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1614to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1310usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1615usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1311polling. 1616polling.
1312 1617
1618=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1619
1620Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1621compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally
1622disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1623structure. 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
1625compile 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
1627most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support.
1628
1629=head3 Inotify
1630
1631When 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
1633change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1634when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1635
1636Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1637except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1638making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1639there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1640
1641(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1642implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1643descriptor open on the object at all times).
1644
1645=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1646
1647The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1648even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1649only support whole seconds.
1650
1651That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1652miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1653your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1654the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1655
1656The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1657the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1658(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1659is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1660systems.
1661
1662=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1663
1313=over 4 1664=over 4
1314 1665
1315=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1666=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1316 1667
1317=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1668=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1324 1675
1325The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1676The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1326relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1677relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1327last change was detected). 1678last change was detected).
1328 1679
1329=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1680=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1330 1681
1331Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1682Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1332watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1683watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1333detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1684detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1334useful simply to find out the new values. 1685useful simply to find out the new values.
1352=item const char *path [read-only] 1703=item const char *path [read-only]
1353 1704
1354The filesystem path that is being watched. 1705The filesystem path that is being watched.
1355 1706
1356=back 1707=back
1708
1709=head3 Examples
1357 1710
1358Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1711Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1359 1712
1360 static void 1713 static void
1361 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1714 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1374 } 1727 }
1375 1728
1376 ... 1729 ...
1377 ev_stat passwd; 1730 ev_stat passwd;
1378 1731
1379 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1732 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1380 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1733 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1734
1735Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1736miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1737one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1738C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1739
1740 static ev_stat passwd;
1741 static ev_timer timer;
1742
1743 static void
1744 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1745 {
1746 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1747
1748 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1749 }
1750
1751 static void
1752 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1753 {
1754 /* reset the one-second timer */
1755 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1756 }
1757
1758 ...
1759 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1760 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1761 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1381 1762
1382 1763
1383=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1764=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1384 1765
1385Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1766Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1399Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1780Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1400effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1781effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1401"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1782"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1402event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1783event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1403 1784
1785=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1786
1404=over 4 1787=over 4
1405 1788
1406=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1789=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1407 1790
1408Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1791Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1409kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1792kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1410believe me. 1793believe me.
1411 1794
1412=back 1795=back
1796
1797=head3 Examples
1413 1798
1414Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1799Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1415callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1800callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1416 1801
1417 static void 1802 static void
1418 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1803 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1419 { 1804 {
1420 free (w); 1805 free (w);
1421 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1806 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1422 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1807 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1423 } 1808 }
1424 1809
1425 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1810 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1426 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1811 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1427 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1812 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1465with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1850with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1466of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1851of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1467loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1852loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1468low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1853low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1469 1854
1855It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1856priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1857after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1858too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1859supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1860did 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
1862state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1863coexist peacefully with others).
1864
1865=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1866
1470=over 4 1867=over 4
1471 1868
1472=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1869=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1473 1870
1474=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1871=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1477parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1874parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1478macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1875macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1479 1876
1480=back 1877=back
1481 1878
1482Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1879=head3 Examples
1483and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1880
1881There 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
1883(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>
1885embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1886into the Glib event loop).
1887
1888Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1484in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1889and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1485pseudo-code only of course: 1890is 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
1892the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1486 1893
1487 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1894 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1488 static ev_timer tw; 1895 static ev_timer tw;
1489 1896
1490 static void 1897 static void
1491 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1898 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1492 { 1899 {
1493 // set the relevant poll flags
1494 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1495 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1496 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1497 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1498 } 1900 }
1499 1901
1500 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1902 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1501 static void 1903 static void
1502 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1904 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1508 1910
1509 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1911 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1510 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1912 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1511 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1913 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1512 1914
1513 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1915 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1514 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1916 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1515 { 1917 {
1516 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1918 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1517 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1919 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1518 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1920 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1519 1921
1520 fds [i].revents = 0; 1922 fds [i].revents = 0;
1521 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1522 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1923 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1523 } 1924 }
1524 } 1925 }
1525 1926
1526 // stop all watchers after blocking 1927 // stop all watchers after blocking
1528 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1929 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1529 { 1930 {
1530 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1931 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1531 1932
1532 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1933 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1934 {
1935 // set the relevant poll flags
1936 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1937 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1938 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1939 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1940 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1941
1942 // now stop the watcher
1533 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1943 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1944 }
1534 1945
1535 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1946 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1947 }
1948
1949Method 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.
1951
1952Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1953notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1954callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1955
1956 static void
1957 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1958 {
1959 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1960 update_now (EV_A);
1961
1962 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1963 }
1964
1965 static void
1966 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1967 {
1968 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1969 update_now (EV_A);
1970
1971 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1972 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1973 }
1974
1975 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1976
1977Method 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
1979their 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
1981this.
1982
1983 static gint
1984 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1985 {
1986 int got_events = 0;
1987
1988 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1989 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1990
1991 if (timeout >= 0)
1992 // create/start timer
1993
1994 // poll
1995 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1996
1997 // stop timer again
1998 if (timeout >= 0)
1999 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2000
2001 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2002 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2003 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2004
2005 return got_events;
1536 } 2006 }
1537 2007
1538 2008
1539=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2009=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1540 2010
1583portable one. 2053portable one.
1584 2054
1585So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2055So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1586that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2056that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1587this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2057this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1588create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2058create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2059
2060=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2061
2062=over 4
2063
2064=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2065
2066=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2067
2068Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2069embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2070invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2071to 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).
2073
2074=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2075
2076Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2077similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2078apropriate way for embedded loops.
2079
2080=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2081
2082The embedded event loop.
2083
2084=back
2085
2086=head3 Examples
2087
2088Example: 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
2090loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
2091C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
2092used).
1589 2093
1590 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2094 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1591 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2095 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1592 struct ev_embed embed; 2096 struct ev_embed embed;
1593 2097
1604 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2108 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1605 } 2109 }
1606 else 2110 else
1607 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2111 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1608 2112
1609=over 4 2113Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2114a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2115kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2116C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1610 2117
1611=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2118 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2119 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2120 struct ev_embed embed;
2121
2122 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2123 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2124 {
2125 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2126 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2127 }
1612 2128
1613=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2129 if (!loop_socket)
2130 loop_socket = loop;
1614 2131
1615Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2132 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1616embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1617invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1618to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1619if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1620
1621=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1622
1623Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1624similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1625apropriate way for embedded loops.
1626
1627=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1628
1629The embedded event loop.
1630
1631=back
1632 2133
1633 2134
1634=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2135=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1635 2136
1636Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2137Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1639event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2140event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1640and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2141and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1641C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2142C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1642handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2143handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1643 2144
2145=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2146
1644=over 4 2147=over 4
1645 2148
1646=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2149=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1647 2150
1648Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2151Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1649kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2152kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1650believe me. 2153believe me.
2154
2155=back
2156
2157
2158=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2159
2160In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2161asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2162loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2163
2164Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2165control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2166C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2167can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2168safe.
2169
2170This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2171too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2172(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2173C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2174
2175Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2176just the default loop.
2177
2178=head3 Queueing
2179
2180C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2181is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2182multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2183need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2184
2185That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2186queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2187queue:
2188
2189=over 4
2190
2191=item queueing from a signal handler context
2192
2193To 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
2195some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2196
2197 static ev_async mysig;
2198
2199 static void
2200 sigusr1_handler (void)
2201 {
2202 sometype data;
2203
2204 // no locking etc.
2205 queue_put (data);
2206 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2207 }
2208
2209 static void
2210 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2211 {
2212 sometype data;
2213 sigset_t block, prev;
2214
2215 sigemptyset (&block);
2216 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2217 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2218
2219 while (queue_get (&data))
2220 process (data);
2221
2222 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2223 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2224 }
2225
2226(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2227instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2228either...).
2229
2230=item queueing from a thread context
2231
2232The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2233threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2234employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2235
2236 static ev_async mysig;
2237 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2238
2239 static void
2240 otherthread (void)
2241 {
2242 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2243 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2244 queue_put (data);
2245 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2246
2247 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2248 }
2249
2250 static void
2251 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2252 {
2253 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2254
2255 while (queue_get (&data))
2256 process (data);
2257
2258 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2259 }
2260
2261=back
2262
2263
2264=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2265
2266=over 4
2267
2268=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2269
2270Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2271kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2272believe me.
2273
2274=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2275
2276Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2277an 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
2279similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2280section below on what exactly this means).
2281
2282This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2283so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2284calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2285
2286=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2287
2288Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2289watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2290event loop.
2291
2292C<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,
2294it 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.
2296
2297Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only
2298wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1651 2299
1652=back 2300=back
1653 2301
1654 2302
1655=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2303=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1749This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2397This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1750of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2398of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1751put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2399put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1752options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2400options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1753 2401
1754Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member added 2402Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1755to the C-style watchers is the event loop the watcher is associated with 2403classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1756(or no additional members at all if you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when 2404that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1757embedding libev). 2405you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1758 2406
1759Currently, functions and static and non-static member functions can be 2407Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1760used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 2408used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1761need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 2409need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1762types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 2410types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1763it). 2411it).
1764 2412
1828 2476
1829 myclass obj; 2477 myclass obj;
1830 ev::io iow; 2478 ev::io iow;
1831 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2479 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1832 2480
1833=item w->set (void (*function)(watcher &w, int), void *data = 0) 2481=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1834 2482
1835Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2483Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1836callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2484callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1837C<data> member and is free for you to use. 2485C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1838 2486
2487The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2488
1839See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2489See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2490
2491Example:
2492
2493 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2494 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1840 2495
1841=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2496=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1842 2497
1843Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2498Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1844do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2499do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1857 2512
1858=item w->stop () 2513=item w->stop ()
1859 2514
1860Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2515Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1861 2516
1862=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2517=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1863 2518
1864For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2519For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1865C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2520C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1866 2521
1867=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2522=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1868 2523
1869Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2524Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1870 2525
1871=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2526=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1872 2527
1873Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2528Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1874 2529
1875=back 2530=back
1876 2531
1879Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2534Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1880the constructor. 2535the constructor.
1881 2536
1882 class myclass 2537 class myclass
1883 { 2538 {
1884 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2539 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1885 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2540 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1886 2541
1887 myclass (); 2542 myclass (int fd)
1888 }
1889
1890 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1891 { 2543 {
1892 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2544 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1893 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2545 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1894 2546
1895 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2547 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2548 }
1896 } 2549 };
2550
2551
2552=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2553
2554Libev 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
2556any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2557me a note.
2558
2559=over 4
2560
2561=item Perl
2562
2563The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2564libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2565there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2566to 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>).
2568
2569It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2570L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2571
2572=item Ruby
2573
2574Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2575of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2576more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2577L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2578
2579=item D
2580
2581Leandro 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>.
2583
2584=back
1897 2585
1898 2586
1899=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2587=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1900 2588
1901Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2589Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1902C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and 2590of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1903callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2591functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1904 2592
1905To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2593To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1906following macros are defined: 2594following macros are defined:
1907 2595
1908=over 4 2596=over 4
1937 2625
1938=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2626=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1939 2627
1940Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2628Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1941loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2629loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2630
2631=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2632
2633Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2634default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2635is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2636execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2637
2638It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2639watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
1942 2640
1943=back 2641=back
1944 2642
1945Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2643Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1946macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2644macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1962Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2660Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1963applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2661applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1964Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2662Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1965and rxvt-unicode. 2663and rxvt-unicode.
1966 2664
1967The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2665The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1968source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2666source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1969you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2667you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1970libev somewhere in your source tree). 2668libev somewhere in your source tree).
1971 2669
1972=head2 FILESETS 2670=head2 FILESETS
2042 2740
2043 libev.m4 2741 libev.m4
2044 2742
2045=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2743=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2046 2744
2047Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2745Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2048before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2746define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of
2049and only include the select backend. 2747autoconf is noted for every option.
2050 2748
2051=over 4 2749=over 4
2052 2750
2053=item EV_STANDALONE 2751=item EV_STANDALONE
2054 2752
2062 2760
2063If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2761If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2064monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2762monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2065of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2763of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2066usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2764usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2067the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2765the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2068to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2766to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2069function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2767function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2070 2768
2071=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2769=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2072 2770
2073If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2771If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2074realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2772realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2075runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2773runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2076be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2774be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2077(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2775(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2078in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2776note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2777
2778=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2779
2780If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2781and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2782
2783=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2784
2785If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2786available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2787C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2788If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
27892.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2079 2790
2080=item EV_USE_SELECT 2791=item EV_USE_SELECT
2081 2792
2082If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2793If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2083C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2794C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2102be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2813be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2103C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2814C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2104it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2815it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2105on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2816on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2106 2817
2818=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2819
2820If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2821file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2822default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2823correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2824in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2825
2107=item EV_USE_POLL 2826=item EV_USE_POLL
2108 2827
2109If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2828If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2110backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2829backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2111takes precedence over select. 2830takes precedence over select.
2112 2831
2113=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2832=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2114 2833
2115If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2834If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2116C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2835C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2117otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2836otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2118preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2837backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2838headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2119 2839
2120=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2840=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2121 2841
2122If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2842If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2123C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2843C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2142 2862
2143=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2863=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2144 2864
2145If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2865If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2146interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2866interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2147be detected at runtime. 2867be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2868indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2869
2870=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2871
2872Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2873access 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
2875that 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.
2877
2878In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2879(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2148 2880
2149=item EV_H 2881=item EV_H
2150 2882
2151The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2883The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2152undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2884undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2153can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2885used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2154 2886
2155=item EV_CONFIG_H 2887=item EV_CONFIG_H
2156 2888
2157If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2889If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2158F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2890F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2159C<EV_H>, above. 2891C<EV_H>, above.
2160 2892
2161=item EV_EVENT_H 2893=item EV_EVENT_H
2162 2894
2163Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2895Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2164of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2896of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2165 2897
2166=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2898=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2167 2899
2168If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2900If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2169prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2901prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2220=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2952=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2221 2953
2222If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2954If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2223defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2955defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2224 2956
2957=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2958
2959If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2960defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2961
2225=item EV_MINIMAL 2962=item EV_MINIMAL
2226 2963
2227If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2964If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2228speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2965speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2229some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2966some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2235than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2972than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2236increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2973increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2237 2974
2238=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2975=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2239 2976
2240C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2977C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2241inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2978inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2242usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2979usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2243watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2980watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2244two). 2981two).
2245 2982
2262 2999
2263=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3000=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2264 3001
2265Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3002Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2266and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3003and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2267definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3004definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2268their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3005their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2269avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3006avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2270method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3007method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3008
3009=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3010
3011If 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
3013all public symbols, one per line:
3014
3015 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3016 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3017
3018This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3019multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3020itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
3021
3022A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3023include before including F<ev.h>:
3024
3025 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3026
3027This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3028
3029 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3030 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3031 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3032 ...
2271 3033
2272=head2 EXAMPLES 3034=head2 EXAMPLES
2273 3035
2274For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3036For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2275verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3037verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2298 3060
2299 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3061 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2300 #include "ev.c" 3062 #include "ev.c"
2301 3063
2302 3064
3065=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3066
3067=head2 THREADS
3068
3069Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This
3070means 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
3072parameter.
3073
3074Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3075parallel 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
3077thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3078per loop).
3079
3080If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot
3081help you but by giving some generic advice:
3082
3083=over 4
3084
3085=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.
3087
3088This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3089themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3090
3091=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3092
3093Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3094exists, but it is always a good start.
3095
3096=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.
3098
3099Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do
3100better than you currently do :-)
3101
3102=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
3104threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3105
3106=back
3107
3108=head2 COROUTINES
3109
3110Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3111libev 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
3113different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3114loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3115you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3116
3117Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3118state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3119switches.
3120
3121
2303=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3122=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2304 3123
2305In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3124In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2306libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3125libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2307documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3126documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2316 3135
2317=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3136=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2318 3137
2319This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3138This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2320there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3139there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2321have to skip those 100 watchers. 3140have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2322 3141
2323=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3142=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2324 3143
2325That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3144That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2326as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3145as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2327 3146
2328=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3147=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2329 3148
2330These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3149These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3150
2331=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3151=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2332 3152
2333=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3153=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2334 3154
2335These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3155These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2336correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3156correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2337have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3157have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2338 3158
2339=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3159=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3160
3161By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
3162beginning of the storage array.
2340 3163
2341=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3164=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2342 3165
2343A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3166A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2344libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel). 3167libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3168on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2345 3169
2346=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3170=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2347 3171
2348=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3172=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2349 3173
2350Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3174Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2351priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3175priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2352linearly search all the priorities. 3176linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3177watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3178
3179=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3180
3181=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3182
3183=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3184
3185Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3186calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3187involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2353 3188
2354=back 3189=back
2355 3190
2356 3191
3192=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3193
3194Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3195requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3196model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3197the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3198descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3199e.g. cygwin.
3200
3201There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3202embedding it into other applications.
3203
3204Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
3205abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
3206recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
3207a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
3208implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
3209be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
3210
3211=over 4
3212
3213=item The winsocket select function
3214
3215The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
3216socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
3217very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
3218to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
3219C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
3220symbols for more info.
3221
3222The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
3223libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3224
3225 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3226 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3227
3228Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3229complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3230
3231=item Limited number of file descriptors
3232
3233Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3234of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3235(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3236C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3237chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3238
3239Newer 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
3241call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3242select emulation on windows).
3243
3244Another 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
3246or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3247C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3248arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3249libraries.
3250
3251This 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
3253wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3254calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3255
3256=back
3257
3258
2357=head1 AUTHOR 3259=head1 AUTHOR
2358 3260
2359Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3261Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2360 3262

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines