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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
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
115 130
116Returns 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
117C<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
118you actually want to know. 133you actually want to know.
119 134
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
120=item int ev_version_major () 141=item int ev_version_major ()
121 142
122=item int ev_version_minor () 143=item int ev_version_minor ()
123 144
124You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library 145You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
235 256
236An 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
237types 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
238events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 259events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
239 260
240If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
241in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
242create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
243whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
244threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
245done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
246
247=over 4 261=over 4
248 262
249=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 263=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
250 264
251This 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
253false. 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
254flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 268flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
255 269
256If 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
257function. 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>.
258 283
259The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 284The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
260backends 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>).
261 286
262The following flags are supported: 287The following flags are supported:
284enabling this flag. 309enabling this flag.
285 310
286This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 311This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
287and 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
288iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 313iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
289Linux 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
290without 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
291C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 316C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
292 317
293The 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
294forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 319forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
295flag. 320flag.
300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 325=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
301 326
302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 327This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
303libev 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,
304but 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
305using 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
306the 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.
307 339
308=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)
309 341
310And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 342And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
311select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 343than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
312number 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
313lot 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.
314 348
315=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
316 350
317For 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,
318but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 352but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
319O(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),
320either 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.
321 358
322While 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
323result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 360will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
324(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
325best 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
326well if you register events for both fds. 363very well if you register events for both fds.
327 364
328Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 365Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
329need 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
330(or space) is available. 367(or space) is available.
331 368
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
332=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 376=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
333 377
334Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 378Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
335was 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
336anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 380with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
337completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 381it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
338unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 382unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
339C<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.
340 389
341It 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
342kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 391kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
343course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 392course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
344extra 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
345incident, 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.
346 405
347=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 406=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
348 407
349This 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.
350 412
351=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 413=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
352 414
353This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 415This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
354it'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)).
355 417
356Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 418Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
357notifications, 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
358blocking 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.
359 430
360=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 431=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
361 432
362Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 433Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
363with 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
364C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 435C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
365 436
437It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
438
366=back 439=back
367 440
368If 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
369backends 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
370specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 443specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
371order of their flag values :)
372 444
373The most typical usage is like this: 445The most typical usage is like this:
374 446
375 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 447 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
376 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 448 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
390 462
391Similar 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
392always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 464always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
393handle 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
394undefined 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.
395 471
396Example: 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.
397 473
398 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 474 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
399 if (!epoller) 475 if (!epoller)
404Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 480Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
405etc.). 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
406sense, 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
407responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 483responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
408calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 484calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
409the 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
410for 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>).
411 496
412=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 497=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
413 498
414Like 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
415earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 500earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
416 501
417=item ev_default_fork () 502=item ev_default_fork ()
418 503
504This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
419This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 505to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
420one. 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
421after 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
422again 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.
423 510
424You 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
425only 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
426fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 513you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
427 514
428The 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
429it 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
430quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 517quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
431 518
432 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 519 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
433 520
434At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
435without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
436do not need to care.
437
438=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 521=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
439 522
440Like 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
441C<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
442after 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.
443 530
444=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 531=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
445 532
446Returns 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
447the 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
460 547
461Returns 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
462received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 549received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
463change 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
464time 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
465event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 552event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
466 553
467=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 554=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
468 555
469Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 556Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
470after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 557after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
492usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 579usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
493 580
494Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 581Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
495 582
496 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 583 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
497 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 584 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
498 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 585 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
586 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
499 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 587 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
500 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 588 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
501 - Update the "event loop time". 589 - Update the "event loop time".
502 - 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.
503 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 594 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
504 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 595 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
505 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 596 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
506 - Queue all outstanding timers. 597 - Queue all outstanding timers.
507 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 598 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
508 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 599 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
509 - Queue all check watchers. 600 - Queue all check watchers.
510 - 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).
511 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
512 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 603 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
513 - 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
514 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 605 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
606 continue with step *.
515 607
516Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 608Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
517anymore. 609anymore.
518 610
519 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 611 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
520 ... 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..)
521 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 613 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
525 617
526Can 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
527has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 619has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
528C<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
529C<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.
530 624
531=item ev_ref (loop) 625=item ev_ref (loop)
532 626
533=item ev_unref (loop) 627=item ev_unref (loop)
534 628
539returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 633returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
540example, 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
541visible 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
542no 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
543way 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
544libraries. 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).
545 641
546Example: 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>
547running when nothing else is active. 643running when nothing else is active.
548 644
549 struct ev_signal exitsig; 645 struct ev_signal exitsig;
553 649
554Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 650Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
555 651
556 ev_ref (loop); 652 ev_ref (loop);
557 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.
558 690
559=back 691=back
560 692
561 693
562=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 694=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
661 793
662=item C<EV_FORK> 794=item C<EV_FORK>
663 795
664The 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
665C<ev_fork>). 797C<ev_fork>).
798
799=item C<EV_ASYNC>
800
801The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
666 802
667=item C<EV_ERROR> 803=item C<EV_ERROR>
668 804
669An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 805An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
670happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 806happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
888In 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
889fd 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
890descriptors 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
891required if you know what you are doing). 1027required if you know what you are doing).
892 1028
893You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
894(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
895descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
896to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
897the same underlying "file open").
898
899If 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
900(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
901C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1031C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
902 1032
903Another 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
915such 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
916its own, so its quite safe to use). 1046its own, so its quite safe to use).
917 1047
918=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1048=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
919 1049
920Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1050Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
921descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1051descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
922such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1052such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
923descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1053descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
924this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1054this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
925registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1055registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
934 1064
935This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that 1065This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
936the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave 1066the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
937optimisations to libev. 1067optimisations to libev.
938 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
939 1103
940=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1104=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
941 1105
942=over 4 1106=over 4
943 1107
956=item int events [read-only] 1120=item int events [read-only]
957 1121
958The events being watched. 1122The events being watched.
959 1123
960=back 1124=back
1125
1126=head3 Examples
961 1127
962Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1128Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
963readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1129readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
964attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1130attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
965 1131
1018configure 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
1019exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1185exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
1020the 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
1021timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1187timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1022 1188
1023=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1189=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1024 1190
1025This 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
1026repeating. The exact semantics are: 1192repeating. The exact semantics are:
1027 1193
1028If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1194If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1063or 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),
1064which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1230which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1065 1231
1066=back 1232=back
1067 1233
1234=head3 Examples
1235
1068Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1236Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1069 1237
1070 static void 1238 static void
1071 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)
1072 { 1240 {
1135In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1303In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1136C<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,
1137that 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
1138system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1306system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1139 1307
1140=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1308=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1141 1309
1142In 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
1143C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1311C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1144and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1312and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1145 1313
1228 1396
1229When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 1397When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1230trigger next. 1398trigger next.
1231 1399
1232=back 1400=back
1401
1402=head3 Examples
1233 1403
1234Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1404Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1235system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1405system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1236potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1406potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1237 1407
1277with 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
1278as 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
1279watcher 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
1280SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1450SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1281 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
1282=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1458=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283 1459
1284=over 4 1460=over 4
1285 1461
1286=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1462=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1294 1470
1295The signal the watcher watches out for. 1471The signal the watcher watches out for.
1296 1472
1297=back 1473=back
1298 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
1299 1489
1300=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1490=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1301 1491
1302Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1492Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1303some 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.
1304 1519
1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1520=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1306 1521
1307=over 4 1522=over 4
1308 1523
1309=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1524=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1310 1525
1311=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1526=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1312 1527
1313Configures 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
1314I<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
1315at 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
1316the 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
1317C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1532C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1318process 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).
1319 1536
1320=item int pid [read-only] 1537=item int pid [read-only]
1321 1538
1322The 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.
1323 1540
1330The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1547The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1331C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1548C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1332 1549
1333=back 1550=back
1334 1551
1335Example: 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;
1336 1558
1337 static void 1559 static void
1338 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1560 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1339 { 1561 {
1340 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);
1341 } 1564 }
1342 1565
1343 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1566 pid_t pid = fork ();
1344 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1567
1345 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 }
1346 1580
1347 1581
1348=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1582=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1349 1583
1350This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1584This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1379semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1613semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1380to 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
1381usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1615usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1382polling. 1616polling.
1383 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
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1662=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1385 1663
1386=over 4 1664=over 4
1387 1665
1388=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)
1397 1675
1398The 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,
1399relative 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
1400last change was detected). 1678last change was detected).
1401 1679
1402=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1680=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1403 1681
1404Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1682Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1405watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1683watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1406detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1684detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1407useful simply to find out the new values. 1685useful simply to find out the new values.
1425=item const char *path [read-only] 1703=item const char *path [read-only]
1426 1704
1427The filesystem path that is being watched. 1705The filesystem path that is being watched.
1428 1706
1429=back 1707=back
1708
1709=head3 Examples
1430 1710
1431Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1711Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1432 1712
1433 static void 1713 static void
1434 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1714 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1447 } 1727 }
1448 1728
1449 ... 1729 ...
1450 ev_stat passwd; 1730 ev_stat passwd;
1451 1731
1452 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1732 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1453 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);
1454 1762
1455 1763
1456=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...
1457 1765
1458Idle 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
1484kind. 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,
1485believe me. 1793believe me.
1486 1794
1487=back 1795=back
1488 1796
1797=head3 Examples
1798
1489Example: 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
1490callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1800callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1491 1801
1492 static void 1802 static void
1493 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)
1494 { 1804 {
1495 free (w); 1805 free (w);
1496 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1806 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1497 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1807 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1498 } 1808 }
1499 1809
1500 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1810 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1501 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1811 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1502 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1812 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1544 1854
1545It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1855It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1546priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1856priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1547after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1857after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1548too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1858too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1549supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did 1859supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1550their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event 1860did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1551loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 1861(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1552C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 1862state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1553others). 1863coexist peacefully with others).
1554 1864
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1865=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 1866
1557=over 4 1867=over 4
1558 1868
1563Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 1873Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1564parameters 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>
1565macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1875macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1566 1876
1567=back 1877=back
1878
1879=head3 Examples
1568 1880
1569There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1881There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1570into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1882into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1571(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1883(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1572use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1884use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1741portable one. 2053portable one.
1742 2054
1743So 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
1744that 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
1745this 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
1746create 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).
1747 2093
1748 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2094 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1749 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2095 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1750 struct ev_embed embed; 2096 struct ev_embed embed;
1751 2097
1762 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2108 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1763 } 2109 }
1764 else 2110 else
1765 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2111 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1766 2112
1767=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 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).
1768 2117
1769=over 4 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 }
1770 2128
1771=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2129 if (!loop_socket)
2130 loop_socket = loop;
1772 2131
1773=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2132 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1774
1775Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1776embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1777invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1778to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1779if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1780
1781=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1782
1783Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1784similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1785apropriate way for embedded loops.
1786
1787=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1788
1789The embedded event loop.
1790
1791=back
1792 2133
1793 2134
1794=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
1795 2136
1796Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2137Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1812believe me. 2153believe me.
1813 2154
1814=back 2155=back
1815 2156
1816 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.
2299
2300=back
2301
2302
1817=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2303=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1818 2304
1819There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2305There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1820 2306
1821=over 4 2307=over 4
2048Example: 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
2049the constructor. 2535the constructor.
2050 2536
2051 class myclass 2537 class myclass
2052 { 2538 {
2053 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2539 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2054 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2540 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2055 2541
2056 myclass (); 2542 myclass (int fd)
2057 }
2058
2059 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2060 { 2543 {
2061 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2544 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2062 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2545 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2063 2546
2064 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2547 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2548 }
2065 } 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
2066 2585
2067 2586
2068=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2587=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2069 2588
2070Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2589Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2106 2625
2107=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2626=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2108 2627
2109Similar 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
2110loop, 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.
2111 2640
2112=back 2641=back
2113 2642
2114Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2643Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2115macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2644macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2131Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2660Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2132applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2661applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2133Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2662Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2134and rxvt-unicode. 2663and rxvt-unicode.
2135 2664
2136The 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
2137source 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
2138you 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
2139libev somewhere in your source tree). 2668libev somewhere in your source tree).
2140 2669
2141=head2 FILESETS 2670=head2 FILESETS
2211 2740
2212 libev.m4 2741 libev.m4
2213 2742
2214=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2743=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2215 2744
2216Libev 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
2217before 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
2218and only include the select backend. 2747autoconf is noted for every option.
2219 2748
2220=over 4 2749=over 4
2221 2750
2222=item EV_STANDALONE 2751=item EV_STANDALONE
2223 2752
2231 2760
2232If 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
2233monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2762monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2234of 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
2235usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2764usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2236the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2765the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2237to 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>
2238function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2767function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2239 2768
2240=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2769=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2241 2770
2242If 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
2243realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2772realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2244runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2773runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2245be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2774be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2246(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2775(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2247in 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.
2248 2790
2249=item EV_USE_SELECT 2791=item EV_USE_SELECT
2250 2792
2251If 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
2252C<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
2271be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2813be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2272C<_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,
2273it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2815it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2274on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2816on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2275 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
2276=item EV_USE_POLL 2826=item EV_USE_POLL
2277 2827
2278If 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)
2279backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2829backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2280takes precedence over select. 2830takes precedence over select.
2281 2831
2282=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2832=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2283 2833
2284If 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
2285C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2835C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2286otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2836otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2287preferred 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.
2288 2839
2289=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2840=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2290 2841
2291If 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
2292C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2843C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2311 2862
2312=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2863=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2313 2864
2314If 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
2315interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2866interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2316be 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.
2317 2880
2318=item EV_H 2881=item EV_H
2319 2882
2320The 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
2321undefined 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
2322can 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.
2323 2886
2324=item EV_CONFIG_H 2887=item EV_CONFIG_H
2325 2888
2326If 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
2327F<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
2328C<EV_H>, above. 2891C<EV_H>, above.
2329 2892
2330=item EV_EVENT_H 2893=item EV_EVENT_H
2331 2894
2332Similarly 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
2333of 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">.
2334 2897
2335=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2898=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2336 2899
2337If 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
2338prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2901prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2389=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2952=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2390 2953
2391If 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
2392defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2955defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2393 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
2394=item EV_MINIMAL 2962=item EV_MINIMAL
2395 2963
2396If 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
2397speed, 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
2398some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2966some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2404than 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
2405increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2973increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2406 2974
2407=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2975=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2408 2976
2409C<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
2410inotify 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>),
2411usually 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>
2412watchers 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
2413two). 2981two).
2414 2982
2431 2999
2432=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3000=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2433 3001
2434Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3002Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2435and 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
2436definition 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
2437their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3005their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2438avoid 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
2439method 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 ...
2440 3033
2441=head2 EXAMPLES 3034=head2 EXAMPLES
2442 3035
2443For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3036For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2444verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3037verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2467 3060
2468 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3061 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2469 #include "ev.c" 3062 #include "ev.c"
2470 3063
2471 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
2472=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3122=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2473 3123
2474In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3124In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2475libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3125libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2476documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3126documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2485 3135
2486=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)
2487 3137
2488This 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
2489there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3139there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2490have to skip those 100 watchers. 3140have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2491 3141
2492=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)
2493 3143
2494That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3144That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2495as 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.
2496 3146
2497=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)
2498 3148
2499These 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
2500=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3151=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2501 3152
2502=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))
2503 3154
2504These 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
2505correct 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
2506have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3157have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2507 3158
2508=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.
2509 3163
2510=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)
2511 3165
2512A 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
2513libev 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).
2514 3169
2515=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3170=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2516 3171
2517=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3172=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2518 3173
2519Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3174Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2520priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3175priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2521linearly 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.
2522 3188
2523=back 3189=back
2524 3190
2525 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
2526=head1 AUTHOR 3259=head1 AUTHOR
2527 3260
2528Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3261Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2529 3262

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