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Revision 1.148 by root, Thu Apr 24 01:42:11 2008 UTC

6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #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 occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
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=head2 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=head2 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
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 197
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
184 199
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 201semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 202used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 203when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 204or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 205
206Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
207correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
208C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 209
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 210You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 211free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 212or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 213
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 214Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 215retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 216
199 static void * 217 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 218 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 219 {
202 for (;;) 220 for (;;)
241 259
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 260An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 261types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 262events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
245 263
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252
253=over 4 264=over 4
254 265
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 266=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 267
257This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 268This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
259false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 270false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 271flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 272
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 273If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 274function.
275
276Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
277from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
278as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
279
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>.
264 286
265The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 288backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267 289
268The following flags are supported: 290The following flags are supported:
290enabling this flag. 312enabling this flag.
291 313
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298 320
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag. 323flag.
332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
338support for dup. 360support for dup.
339 361
340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better. 428might perform better.
407 429
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
433
408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
409 435
410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 437with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 438C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
415 441
416=back 442=back
417 443
418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
420specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
421order of their flag values :)
422 447
423The most typical usage is like this: 448The most typical usage is like this:
424 449
425 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 450 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
426 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
440 465
441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 468handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 469undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
470
471Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
472libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
445 474
446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
447 476
448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
449 if (!epoller) 478 if (!epoller)
473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 502Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 503earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
475 504
476=item ev_default_fork () 505=item ev_default_fork ()
477 506
507This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
478This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 508to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
479one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 509name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
480after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 510the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
481again makes little sense). 511sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
512functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
482 513
483You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 514On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
484only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 515process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
485fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 516you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
486 517
487The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 518The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
488it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 519it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
489quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 520quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
490 521
491 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 522 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
492 523
493At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
494without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
495do not need to care.
496
497=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 524=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
498 525
499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 526Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 527C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 528after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
529
530=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
531
532Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
502 533
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 534=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504 535
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 536Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 537the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
551usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 582usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
552 583
553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 584Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
554 585
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 586 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
556 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 587 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 588 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
589 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
558 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 590 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
559 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 591 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
560 - Update the "event loop time". 592 - Update the "event loop time".
561 - Calculate for how long to block. 593 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
594 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
595 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
596 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
562 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 597 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
563 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 598 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
564 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 599 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
565 - Queue all outstanding timers. 600 - Queue all outstanding timers.
566 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 601 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
567 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 602 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
568 - Queue all check watchers. 603 - Queue all check watchers.
569 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 604 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
570 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 605 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
571 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 606 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
572 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 607 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
573 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 608 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
609 continue with step *.
574 610
575Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 611Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
576anymore. 612anymore.
577 613
578 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 614 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
579 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 615 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
580 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 616 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
584 620
585Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 621Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
586has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 622has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
587C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 623C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
588C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 624C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
625
626This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
589 627
590=item ev_ref (loop) 628=item ev_ref (loop)
591 629
592=item ev_unref (loop) 630=item ev_unref (loop)
593 631
598returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 636returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
599example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 637example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
600visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 638visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
601no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 639no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
602way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 640way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
603libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 641libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
642(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
643respectively).
604 644
605Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
606running when nothing else is active. 646running when nothing else is active.
607 647
608 struct ev_signal exitsig; 648 struct ev_signal exitsig;
756 796
757=item C<EV_FORK> 797=item C<EV_FORK>
758 798
759The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 799The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
760C<ev_fork>). 800C<ev_fork>).
801
802=item C<EV_ASYNC>
803
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
761 805
762=item C<EV_ERROR> 806=item C<EV_ERROR>
763 807
764An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
765happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
1045To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1089To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1046C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1090C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1047enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1091enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1048C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1092C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1049 1093
1094=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1095
1096While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1097when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1098gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1099programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1100undesirable.
1101
1102So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1103ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1104somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1105
1050 1106
1051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1107=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1052 1108
1053=over 4 1109=over 4
1054 1110
1067=item int events [read-only] 1123=item int events [read-only]
1068 1124
1069The events being watched. 1125The events being watched.
1070 1126
1071=back 1127=back
1128
1129=head3 Examples
1072 1130
1073Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1074readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1075attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1076 1134
1129configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1187configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
1130exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1188exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
1131the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1189the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
1132timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1190timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1133 1191
1134=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1192=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1135 1193
1136This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1194This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1137repeating. The exact semantics are: 1195repeating. The exact semantics are:
1138 1196
1139If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1197If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1174or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1232or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1175which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1233which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1176 1234
1177=back 1235=back
1178 1236
1237=head3 Examples
1238
1179Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1239Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1180 1240
1181 static void 1241 static void
1182 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1242 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1183 { 1243 {
1246In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1306In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1247C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1307C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1248that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1308that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1249system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1309system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1250 1310
1251=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1311=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1252 1312
1253In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1313In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1254C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1314C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1255and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1315and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1256 1316
1339 1399
1340When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 1400When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1341trigger next. 1401trigger next.
1342 1402
1343=back 1403=back
1404
1405=head3 Examples
1344 1406
1345Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1407Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1346system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1408system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1347potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1409potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1348 1410
1388with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1450with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1389as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1451as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1390watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1452watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1391SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1453SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1392 1454
1455If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1456C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly
1457interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by
1458signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1459them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1460
1393=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1394 1462
1395=over 4 1463=over 4
1396 1464
1397=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1465=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1405 1473
1406The signal the watcher watches out for. 1474The signal the watcher watches out for.
1407 1475
1408=back 1476=back
1409 1477
1478=head3 Examples
1479
1480Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1481
1482 static void
1483 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1484 {
1485 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1486 }
1487
1488 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1489 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1490 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1491
1410 1492
1411=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1493=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1412 1494
1413Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1495Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1414some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1496some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1497is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1498forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1499loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1500
1501Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1502you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop.
1503
1504=head3 Process Interaction
1505
1506Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1507initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1508the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance
1509of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1510synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1511children, even ones not watched.
1512
1513=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1514
1515Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1516processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1517handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1518C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1519default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1520event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1521that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1415 1522
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1523=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417 1524
1418=over 4 1525=over 4
1419 1526
1420=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1527=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1421 1528
1422=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1529=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1423 1530
1424Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1531Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1425I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1532I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1426at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1533at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1427the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1534the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1428C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1535C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1429process causing the status change. 1536process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1537activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1538activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1430 1539
1431=item int pid [read-only] 1540=item int pid [read-only]
1432 1541
1433The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1542The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1434 1543
1441The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1550The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1442C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1551C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1443 1552
1444=back 1553=back
1445 1554
1446Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1555=head3 Examples
1556
1557Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1558its completion.
1559
1560 ev_child cw;
1447 1561
1448 static void 1562 static void
1449 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1563 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1450 { 1564 {
1451 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1565 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1566 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1452 } 1567 }
1453 1568
1454 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1569 pid_t pid = fork ();
1455 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1570
1456 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1571 if (pid < 0)
1572 // error
1573 else if (pid == 0)
1574 {
1575 // the forked child executes here
1576 exit (1);
1577 }
1578 else
1579 {
1580 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1581 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1582 }
1457 1583
1458 1584
1459=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1585=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1460 1586
1461This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1587This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1490semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1616semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1491to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1617to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1492usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1618usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1493polling. 1619polling.
1494 1620
1621=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1622
1623Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1624compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally
1625disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1626structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1627use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1628compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1629obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1630most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support.
1631
1495=head3 Inotify 1632=head3 Inotify
1496 1633
1497When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1634When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1498available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1635available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1499change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1636change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1500when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1637when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1501 1638
1502Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1639Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1503except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1640except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1504making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1641making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1505there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1642there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1506 1643
1507(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1644(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1508implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1645implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1509descriptor open on the object at all times). 1646descriptor open on the object at all times).
1541 1678
1542The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1679The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1543relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1680relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1544last change was detected). 1681last change was detected).
1545 1682
1546=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1683=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1547 1684
1548Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1685Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1549watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1686watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1550detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1687detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1551useful simply to find out the new values. 1688useful simply to find out the new values.
1658kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1795kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1659believe me. 1796believe me.
1660 1797
1661=back 1798=back
1662 1799
1800=head3 Examples
1801
1663Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1802Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1664callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1803callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1665 1804
1666 static void 1805 static void
1667 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1806 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1668 { 1807 {
1669 free (w); 1808 free (w);
1670 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1809 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1671 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1810 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1672 } 1811 }
1673 1812
1674 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1813 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1675 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1814 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1676 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1815 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1738parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1877parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1739macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1878macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1740 1879
1741=back 1880=back
1742 1881
1882=head3 Examples
1883
1743There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1884There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1744into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1885into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1745(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1886(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1746use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1887use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1747embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1888embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1915portable one. 2056portable one.
1916 2057
1917So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2058So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1918that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2059that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1919this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2060this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1920create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2061create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2062
2063=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2064
2065=over 4
2066
2067=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2068
2069=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2070
2071Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2072embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2073invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2074to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2075if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2076
2077=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2078
2079Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2080similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2081apropriate way for embedded loops.
2082
2083=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2084
2085The embedded event loop.
2086
2087=back
2088
2089=head3 Examples
2090
2091Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2092event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2093loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
2094C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
2095used).
1921 2096
1922 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2097 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1923 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2098 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1924 struct ev_embed embed; 2099 struct ev_embed embed;
1925 2100
1936 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2111 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1937 } 2112 }
1938 else 2113 else
1939 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2114 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1940 2115
1941=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2116Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2117a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2118kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2119C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1942 2120
1943=over 4 2121 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2122 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2123 struct ev_embed embed;
2124
2125 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2126 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2127 {
2128 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2129 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2130 }
1944 2131
1945=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2132 if (!loop_socket)
2133 loop_socket = loop;
1946 2134
1947=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2135 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1948
1949Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1950embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1951invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1952to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1953if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1954
1955=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1956
1957Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1958similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1959apropriate way for embedded loops.
1960
1961=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1962
1963The embedded event loop.
1964
1965=back
1966 2136
1967 2137
1968=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2138=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1969 2139
1970Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2140Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1986believe me. 2156believe me.
1987 2157
1988=back 2158=back
1989 2159
1990 2160
2161=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2162
2163In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2164asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2165loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2166
2167Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2168control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2169C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2170can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2171safe.
2172
2173This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2174too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2175(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2176C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2177
2178Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2179just the default loop.
2180
2181=head3 Queueing
2182
2183C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2184is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2185multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2186need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2187
2188That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2189queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2190queue:
2191
2192=over 4
2193
2194=item queueing from a signal handler context
2195
2196To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2197handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2198some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2199
2200 static ev_async mysig;
2201
2202 static void
2203 sigusr1_handler (void)
2204 {
2205 sometype data;
2206
2207 // no locking etc.
2208 queue_put (data);
2209 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2210 }
2211
2212 static void
2213 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2214 {
2215 sometype data;
2216 sigset_t block, prev;
2217
2218 sigemptyset (&block);
2219 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2220 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2221
2222 while (queue_get (&data))
2223 process (data);
2224
2225 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2226 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2227 }
2228
2229(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2230instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2231either...).
2232
2233=item queueing from a thread context
2234
2235The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2236threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2237employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2238
2239 static ev_async mysig;
2240 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2241
2242 static void
2243 otherthread (void)
2244 {
2245 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2246 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2247 queue_put (data);
2248 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2249
2250 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2251 }
2252
2253 static void
2254 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2255 {
2256 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2257
2258 while (queue_get (&data))
2259 process (data);
2260
2261 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2262 }
2263
2264=back
2265
2266
2267=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2268
2269=over 4
2270
2271=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2272
2273Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2274kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2275believe me.
2276
2277=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2278
2279Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2280an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2281C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2282similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2283section below on what exactly this means).
2284
2285This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2286so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2287calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2288
2289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2290
2291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2292watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2293event loop.
2294
2295C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2296the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2297it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2298quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2299
2300Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only
2301wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2302
2303=back
2304
2305
1991=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2306=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1992 2307
1993There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2308There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1994 2309
1995=over 4 2310=over 4
2063 2378
2064=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2379=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2065will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2380will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2066is an ev_pri field. 2381is an ev_pri field.
2067 2382
2383=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2384first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2385
2068=item * Other members are not supported. 2386=item * Other members are not supported.
2069 2387
2070=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2388=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2071to use the libev header file and library. 2389to use the libev header file and library.
2072 2390
2222Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2540Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2223the constructor. 2541the constructor.
2224 2542
2225 class myclass 2543 class myclass
2226 { 2544 {
2227 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2545 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2228 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2546 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2229 2547
2230 myclass (); 2548 myclass (int fd)
2231 }
2232
2233 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2234 { 2549 {
2235 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2550 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2236 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2551 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2237 2552
2238 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2553 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2554 }
2239 } 2555 };
2556
2557
2558=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2559
2560Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2561numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2562any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2563me a note.
2564
2565=over 4
2566
2567=item Perl
2568
2569The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2570libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2571there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2572to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2573C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2574
2575It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2576L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2577
2578=item Ruby
2579
2580Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2581of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2582more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2583L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2584
2585=item D
2586
2587Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2588be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>.
2589
2590=back
2240 2591
2241 2592
2242=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2593=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2243 2594
2244Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2595Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2280 2631
2281=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2632=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2282 2633
2283Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2634Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2284loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2635loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2636
2637=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2638
2639Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2640default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2641is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2642execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2643
2644It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2645watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2285 2646
2286=back 2647=back
2287 2648
2288Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2649Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2289macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2650macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2385 2746
2386 libev.m4 2747 libev.m4
2387 2748
2388=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2749=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2389 2750
2390Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2751Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2391before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2752define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of
2392and only include the select backend. 2753autoconf is noted for every option.
2393 2754
2394=over 4 2755=over 4
2395 2756
2396=item EV_STANDALONE 2757=item EV_STANDALONE
2397 2758
2423=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2784=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2424 2785
2425If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2786If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2426and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2787and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2427 2788
2789=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2790
2791If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2792available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2793C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2794If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
27952.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2796
2428=item EV_USE_SELECT 2797=item EV_USE_SELECT
2429 2798
2430If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2799If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2431C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2800C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2432other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2801other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2450be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2819be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2451C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2820C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2452it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2821it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2453on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2822on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2454 2823
2824=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2825
2826If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2827file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2828default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2829correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2830in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2831
2455=item EV_USE_POLL 2832=item EV_USE_POLL
2456 2833
2457If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2834If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2458backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2835backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2459takes precedence over select. 2836takes precedence over select.
2460 2837
2461=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2838=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2462 2839
2463If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2840If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2464C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2841C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2465otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2842otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2466preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2843backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2844headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2467 2845
2468=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2846=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2469 2847
2470If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2848If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2471C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2849C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2490 2868
2491=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2869=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2492 2870
2493If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2871If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2494interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2872interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2495be detected at runtime. 2873be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2874indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2875
2876=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2877
2878Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2879access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2880type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2881that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2882as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2883
2884In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2885(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2496 2886
2497=item EV_H 2887=item EV_H
2498 2888
2499The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2889The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2500undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2890undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2501can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2891used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2502 2892
2503=item EV_CONFIG_H 2893=item EV_CONFIG_H
2504 2894
2505If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2895If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2506F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2896F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2507C<EV_H>, above. 2897C<EV_H>, above.
2508 2898
2509=item EV_EVENT_H 2899=item EV_EVENT_H
2510 2900
2511Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2901Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2512of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2902of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2513 2903
2514=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2904=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2515 2905
2516If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2906If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2517prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2907prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2566defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2956defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2567 2957
2568=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2958=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2569 2959
2570If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2960If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2961defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2962
2963=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2964
2965If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2571defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2966defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2572 2967
2573=item EV_MINIMAL 2968=item EV_MINIMAL
2574 2969
2575If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2970If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2671 3066
2672 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3067 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2673 #include "ev.c" 3068 #include "ev.c"
2674 3069
2675 3070
3071=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3072
3073=head2 THREADS
3074
3075Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This
3076means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3077only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3078parameter.
3079
3080Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3081parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3082done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3083thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3084per loop).
3085
3086If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot
3087help you but by giving some generic advice:
3088
3089=over 4
3090
3091=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3092in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop.
3093
3094This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3095themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3096
3097=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3098
3099Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3100exists, but it is always a good start.
3101
3102=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3103loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion.
3104
3105Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do
3106better than you currently do :-)
3107
3108=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3109event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3110threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3111
3112=back
3113
3114=head2 COROUTINES
3115
3116Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3117libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3118coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3119different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3120loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3121you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3122
3123Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3124state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3125switches.
3126
3127
2676=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3128=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2677 3129
2678In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3130In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2679libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3131libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2680documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3132documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2696=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3148=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2697 3149
2698That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3150That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2699as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3151as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2700 3152
2701=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3153=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2702 3154
2703These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3155These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2704 3156
2705=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3157=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2706 3158
2707=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3159=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2708 3160
2709These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3161These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2710correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3162correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2726=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3178=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2727 3179
2728Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3180Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2729priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3181priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2730linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating 3182linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2731watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling. 3183watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3184
3185=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3186
3187=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3188
3189=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3190
3191Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3192calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3193involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2732 3194
2733=back 3195=back
2734 3196
2735 3197
3198=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3199
3200Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3201requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3202model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3203the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3204descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3205e.g. cygwin.
3206
3207There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3208embedding it into other applications.
3209
3210Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
3211abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
3212recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
3213a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
3214implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
3215be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
3216
3217=over 4
3218
3219=item The winsocket select function
3220
3221The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
3222socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
3223very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
3224to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
3225C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
3226symbols for more info.
3227
3228The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
3229libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3230
3231 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3232 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3233
3234Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3235complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3236
3237=item Limited number of file descriptors
3238
3239Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3240of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3241(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3242C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3243chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3244
3245Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3246to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3247call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3248select emulation on windows).
3249
3250Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
3251libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3252or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3253C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3254arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3255libraries.
3256
3257This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3258windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3259wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3260calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3261
3262=back
3263
3264
3265=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3266
3267In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3268additional extensions:
3269
3270=over 4
3271
3272=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3273
3274The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3275C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3276threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3277believed to be sufficiently portable.
3278
3279=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3280
3281Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3282allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3283pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3284thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3285be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3286C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3287
3288The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3289except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3290well.
3291
3292=back
3293
3294If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3295
3296
2736=head1 AUTHOR 3297=head1 AUTHOR
2737 3298
2738Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3299Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2739 3300

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