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Revision 1.119 by root, Tue Jan 15 04:07:37 2008 UTC vs.
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).
264 279
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
297enabling this flag. 312enabling this flag.
298 313
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and 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
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux 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
303without 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
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 320
306The 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
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 323flag.
339For 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,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like 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),
342epoll 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
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases 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
345support for dup. 360support for dup.
346 361
347While 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
348will 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
349(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
451Similar 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
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle 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
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 469undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 470
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.
474
456Example: 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.
457 476
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 478 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 524=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 525
507Like 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
508C<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
509after 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.
510 533
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 534=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512 535
513Returns 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
514the 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
774=item C<EV_FORK> 797=item C<EV_FORK>
775 798
776The 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
777C<ev_fork>). 800C<ev_fork>).
778 801
802=item C<EV_ASYNC>
803
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
805
779=item C<EV_ERROR> 806=item C<EV_ERROR>
780 807
781An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
782happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
783ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 810ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1062To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1089To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1063C<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,
1064enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1091enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1065C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1092C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1066 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
1067 1106
1068=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1107=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1069 1108
1070=over 4 1109=over 4
1071 1110
1148configure 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
1149exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1188exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
1150the 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
1151timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1190timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1152 1191
1153=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1192=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1154 1193
1155This 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
1156repeating. The exact semantics are: 1195repeating. The exact semantics are:
1157 1196
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1197If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1306In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1268C<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,
1269that 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
1270system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1309system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1271 1310
1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1311=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1273 1312
1274In 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
1275C<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)
1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1315and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1277 1316
1411with 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
1412as 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
1413watcher 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
1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1453SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1415 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
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417 1462
1418=over 4 1463=over 4
1419 1464
1420=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1465=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1428 1473
1429The signal the watcher watches out for. 1474The signal the watcher watches out for.
1430 1475
1431=back 1476=back
1432 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
1433 1492
1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1493=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1435 1494
1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1495Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1437some 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.
1438 1522
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1523=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440 1524
1441=over 4 1525=over 4
1442 1526
1443=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1527=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1444 1528
1445=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1529=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1446 1530
1447Configures 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
1448I<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
1449at 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
1450the 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
1451C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1535C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1452process 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).
1453 1539
1454=item int pid [read-only] 1540=item int pid [read-only]
1455 1541
1456The 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.
1457 1543
1466 1552
1467=back 1553=back
1468 1554
1469=head3 Examples 1555=head3 Examples
1470 1556
1471Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1557Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1558its completion.
1559
1560 ev_child cw;
1472 1561
1473 static void 1562 static void
1474 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1563 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1475 { 1564 {
1476 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);
1477 } 1567 }
1478 1568
1479 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1569 pid_t pid = fork ();
1480 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1570
1481 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 }
1482 1583
1483 1584
1484=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1585=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1485 1586
1486This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1587This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1515semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1616semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1516to 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
1517usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1618usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1518polling. 1619polling.
1519 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
1520=head3 Inotify 1632=head3 Inotify
1521 1633
1522When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1634When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1523available 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
1524change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1636change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1525when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1637when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1526 1638
1527Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1639Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1528except 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
1529making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1641making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1530there 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.
1531 1643
1532(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
1533implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1645implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1534descriptor open on the object at all times). 1646descriptor open on the object at all times).
1566 1678
1567The 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,
1568relative 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
1569last change was detected). 1681last change was detected).
1570 1682
1571=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1683=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1572 1684
1573Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1685Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1574watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1686watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1575detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1687detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1576useful simply to find out the new values. 1688useful simply to find out the new values.
1693 static void 1805 static void
1694 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)
1695 { 1807 {
1696 free (w); 1808 free (w);
1697 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1809 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1698 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1810 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1699 } 1811 }
1700 1812
1701 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1813 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1702 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1814 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1703 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1815 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
2044believe me. 2156believe me.
2045 2157
2046=back 2158=back
2047 2159
2048 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
2049=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2306=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2050 2307
2051There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2308There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2052 2309
2053=over 4 2310=over 4
2121 2378
2122=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2379=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2123will 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
2124is an ev_pri field. 2381is an ev_pri field.
2125 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
2126=item * Other members are not supported. 2386=item * Other members are not supported.
2127 2387
2128=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
2129to use the libev header file and library. 2389to use the libev header file and library.
2130 2390
2280Example: 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
2281the constructor. 2541the constructor.
2282 2542
2283 class myclass 2543 class myclass
2284 { 2544 {
2285 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2545 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2286 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2546 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2287 2547
2288 myclass (); 2548 myclass (int fd)
2289 }
2290
2291 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2292 { 2549 {
2293 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2550 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2294 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2551 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2295 2552
2296 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2553 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2554 }
2297 } 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
2298 2591
2299 2592
2300=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2593=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2301 2594
2302Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2595Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2338 2631
2339=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2632=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2340 2633
2341Similar 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
2342loop, 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.
2343 2646
2344=back 2647=back
2345 2648
2346Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2649Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2347macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2650macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2443 2746
2444 libev.m4 2747 libev.m4
2445 2748
2446=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2749=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2447 2750
2448Libev 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
2449before 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
2450and only include the select backend. 2753autoconf is noted for every option.
2451 2754
2452=over 4 2755=over 4
2453 2756
2454=item EV_STANDALONE 2757=item EV_STANDALONE
2455 2758
2481=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2784=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2482 2785
2483If 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
2484and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2787and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2485 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
2486=item EV_USE_SELECT 2797=item EV_USE_SELECT
2487 2798
2488If 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
2489C<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
2490other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2801other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2526 2837
2527=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2838=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2528 2839
2529If 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
2530C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2841C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2531otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2842otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2532preferred 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.
2533 2845
2534=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2846=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2535 2847
2536If 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
2537C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2849C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2556 2868
2557=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2869=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2558 2870
2559If 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
2560interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2872interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2561be 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.
2562 2886
2563=item EV_H 2887=item EV_H
2564 2888
2565The 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
2566undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 2890undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2632defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2956defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2633 2957
2634=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2958=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2635 2959
2636If 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
2637defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2966defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2638 2967
2639=item EV_MINIMAL 2968=item EV_MINIMAL
2640 2969
2641If 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
2737 3066
2738 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3067 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2739 #include "ev.c" 3068 #include "ev.c"
2740 3069
2741 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
2742=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3128=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2743 3129
2744In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3130In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2745libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3131libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2746documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3132documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2762=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)
2763 3149
2764That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3150That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2765as 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.
2766 3152
2767=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)
2768 3154
2769These 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.
2770 3156
2771=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3157=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2772 3158
2773=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))
2774 3160
2775These 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
2776correct 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
2792=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3178=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2793 3179
2794Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3180Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2795priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3181priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2796linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating 3182linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2797watchers 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.
2798 3194
2799=back 3195=back
2800 3196
2801 3197
2802=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3198=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2864calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3260calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2865 3261
2866=back 3262=back
2867 3263
2868 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
2869=head1 AUTHOR 3297=head1 AUTHOR
2870 3298
2871Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3299Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2872 3300

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