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Revision 1.148 by root, Thu Apr 24 01:42:11 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.180 by root, Fri Sep 19 03:45:55 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70 70
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 74
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
174a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
231 ... 252 ...
232 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
233 254
234=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
235 256
236Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
237as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
238indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
239callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
240matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
241requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
242(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
243 264
244Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
277from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
278as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
279 300
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
286 307
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
296The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
298 319
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 321
301If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
302or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
305useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
306around bugs. 327around bugs.
313 334
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 341
321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 344flag.
324 345
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable. 347environment variable.
327 348
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 350
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
332but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
333using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
334usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 356
336To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
337parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
338writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
339connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
340a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363
364This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
365C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
366C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
342 367
343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 368=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
344 369
345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
347limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
348considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
349i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
350performance tips. 375performance tips.
351 376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379
352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
353 381
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup. 388support for dup.
361 389
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
366very well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
367 395
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
371 399
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 402keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
375 403
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 404While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 405all kernel versions tested so far.
406
407This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
408C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
378 409
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 410=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 411
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 412Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 413was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 414with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 415it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 416unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 417C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
387system like NetBSD. 418system like NetBSD.
388 419
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 420You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 422the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 423
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 424It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 425kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 426course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
396cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 427cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
397two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 428two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 429drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399 430
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 431This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 432
404almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 435almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
405(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 436(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
406(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 437(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
407sockets. 438sockets.
408 439
440This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
441C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>.
443
409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 444=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
410 445
411This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 446This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
412implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 447implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
413and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend 448and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 451=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 452
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 453This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
419it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 454it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 455
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 456Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
422notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 457notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 458blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 459
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 460While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 461file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 462descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better. 463might perform better.
429 464
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 465On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 466backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 467embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
468
469This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
470C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
433 471
434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 472=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
435 473
436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 474Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
437with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 475with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
439 477
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 478It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 479
442=back 480=back
443 481
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 482If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 483backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 484specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 485
448The most typical usage is like this: 486The most typical usage is like this:
449 487
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 488 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 489 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 490
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 491Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 492environment settings to be taken into account:
455 493
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 494 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 495
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 496Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 497available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 498event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
461 499
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 500 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 501
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 502=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 503
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 504Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 505always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
472libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 510libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 511default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
474 512
475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 513Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
476 514
477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 515 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 if (!epoller) 516 if (!epoller)
479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 517 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
480 518
481=item ev_default_destroy () 519=item ev_default_destroy ()
482 520
483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 521Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
484etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 522etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
485sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 523sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 524responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 525calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
488the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 526the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
489for example). 527for example).
490 528
491Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 529Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
552received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 590received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
553change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 591change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
554time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 592time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
555event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 593event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
556 594
595=item ev_now_update (loop)
596
597Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
598returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
599is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
600
601This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
602very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
603the current time is a good idea.
604
605See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
606
557=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 607=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
558 608
559Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 609Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
560after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 610after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
561events. 611events.
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 622A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
573those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 623those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
574case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 624case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
575 625
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 626A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
577neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 627necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
578your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 628your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
579one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 629one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
580external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 630external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
581libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 631libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
582usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 632usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
583 633
584Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 634Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
585 635
586 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 636 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
587 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 637 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
588 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 638 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
589 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 639 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
590 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 640 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
641 as to not disturb the other process.
591 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 642 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
592 - Update the "event loop time". 643 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
593 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 644 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
594 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 645 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
595 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 646 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
596 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 647 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
597 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 648 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
598 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 649 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
599 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 650 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
600 - Queue all outstanding timers. 651 - Queue all outstanding timers.
601 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 652 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
602 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 653 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
603 - Queue all check watchers. 654 - Queue all check watchers.
604 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 655 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
605 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 656 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
606 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 657 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
607 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 658 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
612anymore. 663anymore.
613 664
614 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 665 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
615 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 666 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
616 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 667 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
617 ... jobs done. yeah! 668 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
618 669
619=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 670=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
620 671
621Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 672Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
622has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 673has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
643respectively). 694respectively).
644 695
645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 696Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
646running when nothing else is active. 697running when nothing else is active.
647 698
648 struct ev_signal exitsig; 699 struct ev_signal exitsig;
649 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 700 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
650 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 701 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
651 evf_unref (loop); 702 evf_unref (loop);
652 703
653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 704Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
654 705
655 ev_ref (loop); 706 ev_ref (loop);
656 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 707 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
657 708
658=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 709=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
659 710
660=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 711=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
661 712
662These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 713These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
663for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 714for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
664invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 715will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
716latency.
665 717
666Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 718Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
667allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 719allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
668increase efficiency of loop iterations. 720to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
721opportunities).
669 722
670The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 723The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
671handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 724handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
672the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 725the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
673events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 726events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
683to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 736to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
684latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 737latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
685will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 738will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
686any overhead in libev. 739any overhead in libev.
687 740
688Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 741Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
689interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 742interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
690interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 743interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
691usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 744usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
692as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 745as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
746
747Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
748saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
749are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
750times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
751reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
752they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
753
754=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
755
756This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
757compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
758them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
759an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
760
761This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
762circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
763data structures consistent.
693 764
694=back 765=back
695 766
696 767
697=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 768=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
698 769
699A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 770A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
700interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 771interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
701become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 772become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
702 773
703 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 774 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
704 { 775 {
705 ev_io_stop (w); 776 ev_io_stop (w);
706 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 777 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
707 } 778 }
708 779
709 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 780 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
710 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 781 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
711 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 782 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
712 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 783 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
713 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 784 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
714 ev_loop (loop, 0); 785 ev_loop (loop, 0);
715 786
716As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 787As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
717watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 788watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
718although this can sometimes be quite valid). 789although this can sometimes be quite valid).
719 790
720Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 791Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
721(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 792(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
722callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 793callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
723watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 794watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
724is readable and/or writable). 795is readable and/or writable).
725 796
726Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 797Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
727with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 798with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
803 874
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 875The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
805 876
806=item C<EV_ERROR> 877=item C<EV_ERROR>
807 878
808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 879An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 880happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
810ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 881ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
811problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 882problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
812with the watcher being stopped. 883with the watcher being stopped.
813 884
814Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 885Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
815for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 886for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
816your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 887your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
817with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 888with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
818programs, though, so beware. 889programs, though, so beware.
819 890
820=back 891=back
821 892
822=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 893=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
852Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 923Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
853(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 924(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
854 925
855=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 926=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
856 927
857This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 928This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
858calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 929calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
859a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 930a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
860 931
861=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 932=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
862 933
863Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 934Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
946to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1017to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
947don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1018don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
948member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1019member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
949data: 1020data:
950 1021
951 struct my_io 1022 struct my_io
952 { 1023 {
953 struct ev_io io; 1024 struct ev_io io;
954 int otherfd; 1025 int otherfd;
955 void *somedata; 1026 void *somedata;
956 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1027 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
957 } 1028 };
1029
1030 ...
1031 struct my_io w;
1032 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
958 1033
959And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1034And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
960can cast it back to your own type: 1035can cast it back to your own type:
961 1036
962 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1037 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
963 { 1038 {
964 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1039 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
965 ... 1040 ...
966 } 1041 }
967 1042
968More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1043More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
969instead have been omitted. 1044instead have been omitted.
970 1045
971Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1046Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
972watchers: 1047embedded watchers:
973 1048
974 struct my_biggy 1049 struct my_biggy
975 { 1050 {
976 int some_data; 1051 int some_data;
977 ev_timer t1; 1052 ev_timer t1;
978 ev_timer t2; 1053 ev_timer t2;
979 } 1054 }
980 1055
981In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1056In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
982you need to use C<offsetof>: 1057complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1058in the C<data> member of the watcher, or you need to use some pointer
1059arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers:
983 1060
984 #include <stddef.h> 1061 #include <stddef.h>
985 1062
986 static void 1063 static void
987 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1064 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
988 { 1065 {
989 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1066 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
990 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1067 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
991 } 1068 }
992 1069
993 static void 1070 static void
994 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1071 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
995 { 1072 {
996 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1073 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
997 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1074 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
998 } 1075 }
999 1076
1000 1077
1001=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1078=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1002 1079
1003This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1080This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1032If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1109If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
1033(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1110(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1034C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1111C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1035 1112
1036Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1113Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1037receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1114receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1038be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1115be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1039because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1116because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1040lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1117lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1041this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1118this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1042it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1119it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1043C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1120C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1044 1121
1045If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1122If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1046play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1123play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1047whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1124whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1048such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1125such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1049its own, so its quite safe to use). 1126its own, so its quite safe to use).
1050 1127
1051=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1128=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1092C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1169C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1093 1170
1094=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1171=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1095 1172
1096While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1173While 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 1174when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1098gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1175send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1099programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1176this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1100undesirable.
1101 1177
1102So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1178So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1103ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1179ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1104somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1180somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1105 1181
1111=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1187=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1112 1188
1113=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1189=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1114 1190
1115Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1191Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1116rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1192receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1117C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1193C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1118 1194
1119=item int fd [read-only] 1195=item int fd [read-only]
1120 1196
1121The file descriptor being watched. 1197The file descriptor being watched.
1130 1206
1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1207Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1208readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1209attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1134 1210
1135 static void 1211 static void
1136 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1212 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1137 { 1213 {
1138 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1214 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1139 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1215 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1140 } 1216 }
1141 1217
1142 ... 1218 ...
1143 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1219 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1144 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1220 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1145 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1221 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1146 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1222 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1147 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1223 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1148 1224
1149 1225
1150=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1226=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1151 1227
1152Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1228Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1153given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1229given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1154 1230
1155The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1231The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1156times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1232times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1157time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1233year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1158detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1234detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1159monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1235monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1236
1237The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1238but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1239order of execution is undefined.
1240
1241=head3 The special problem of time updates
1242
1243Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1244least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1245time only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes
1246a growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1247lots of events.
1160 1248
1161The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1249The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1162time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1250time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1163of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1251of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1164you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1252you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1165on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1253timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1166 1254
1167 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1255 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1168 1256
1169The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1257If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1170but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1258update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1171order of execution is undefined. 1259()>.
1172 1260
1173=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1261=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174 1262
1175=over 4 1263=over 4
1176 1264
1177=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1265=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1178 1266
1179=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1267=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1180 1268
1181Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1269Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1182C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1270is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1183timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1271reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1184later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1272configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1273until stopped manually.
1185 1274
1186The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1275The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1187configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1276you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1188exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1277trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1189the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1278keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1190timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1279do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1191 1280
1192=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1281=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1193 1282
1194This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1283This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1195repeating. The exact semantics are: 1284repeating. The exact semantics are:
1196 1285
1197If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1286If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1198 1287
1199If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1288If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1200 1289
1201If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1290If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1202C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1291C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1203 1292
1204This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1293This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1205example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1294example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1206timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1295timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1207seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1296seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1208configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1297configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1209C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1298C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1210you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1299you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1236 1325
1237=head3 Examples 1326=head3 Examples
1238 1327
1239Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1328Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1240 1329
1241 static void 1330 static void
1242 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1331 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1243 { 1332 {
1244 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1333 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1245 } 1334 }
1246 1335
1247 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1336 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1248 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1337 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1249 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1338 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1250 1339
1251Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1340Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1252inactivity. 1341inactivity.
1253 1342
1254 static void 1343 static void
1255 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1344 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1256 { 1345 {
1257 .. ten seconds without any activity 1346 .. ten seconds without any activity
1258 } 1347 }
1259 1348
1260 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1349 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1261 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1350 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1262 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1351 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1263 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1352 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1264 1353
1265 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1354 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1266 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1355 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1267 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1356 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1268 1357
1269 1358
1270=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1359=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1271 1360
1272Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1361Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1273(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1362(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1274 1363
1275Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1364Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1276but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1365but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1277to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1366to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1278periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1367periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1279+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1368+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1369clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1280take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1370to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1281roughly 10 seconds later). 1371roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1282 1372
1283They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1373C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1284triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1374such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1285rules. 1375complicated, rules.
1286 1376
1287As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1377As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1288time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1378time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1289during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1379during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1290 1380
1291=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1381=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1292 1382
1293=over 4 1383=over 4
1301 1391
1302=over 4 1392=over 4
1303 1393
1304=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1394=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1305 1395
1306In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1396In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1307C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1397time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1308that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1398jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1309system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1399run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1310 1400
1311=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1401=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1312 1402
1313In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1403In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1314C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1404C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1315and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1405and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1316 1406
1317This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1407This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1318time: 1408time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1409the hour:
1319 1410
1320 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1411 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1321 1412
1322This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1413This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1323but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1414but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1324full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1415full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1325by 3600. 1416by 3600.
1326 1417
1327Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1418Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1328C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1419C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1329time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1420time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1330 1421
1331For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1422For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1332C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1423C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1333this value. 1424this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1425
1426Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1427speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1428will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1429millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1334 1430
1335=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1431=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1336 1432
1337In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1433In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1338ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1434ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1339reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1435reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1340current time as second argument. 1436current time as second argument.
1341 1437
1342NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1438NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1343ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1439ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1344return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1345starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1346 1440
1441If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1442it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1443only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1444
1347Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1445The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1348ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1446*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1349 1447
1350 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1448 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1351 { 1449 {
1352 return now + 60.; 1450 return now + 60.;
1353 } 1451 }
1355It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1453It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1356(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1454(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1357will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1455will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1358might be called at other times, too. 1456might be called at other times, too.
1359 1457
1360NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1458NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1361passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1459equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1362 1460
1363This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1461This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1364triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1462triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1365next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1463next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1366you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1464you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1367reason I omitted it as an example). 1465reason I omitted it as an example).
1368 1466
1369=back 1467=back
1373Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1471Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1374when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1472when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1375a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1473a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1376program when the crontabs have changed). 1474program when the crontabs have changed).
1377 1475
1476=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1477
1478When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1479trigger next.
1480
1378=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1481=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1379 1482
1380When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1483When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1381absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1484absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1382 1485
1393 1496
1394The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1497The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1395switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1498switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1396the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1499the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1397 1500
1398=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1399
1400When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1401trigger next.
1402
1403=back 1501=back
1404 1502
1405=head3 Examples 1503=head3 Examples
1406 1504
1407Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1505Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1408system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1506system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1409potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1507potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1410 1508
1411 static void 1509 static void
1412 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1510 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1413 { 1511 {
1414 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1512 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1415 } 1513 }
1416 1514
1417 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1515 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1418 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1516 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1419 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1517 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1420 1518
1421Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1519Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1422 1520
1423 #include <math.h> 1521 #include <math.h>
1424 1522
1425 static ev_tstamp 1523 static ev_tstamp
1426 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1524 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1427 { 1525 {
1428 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1526 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1429 } 1527 }
1430 1528
1431 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1529 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1432 1530
1433Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1531Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1434 1532
1435 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1533 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1436 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1534 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1437 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1535 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1438 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1536 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1439 1537
1440 1538
1441=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1539=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1442 1540
1443Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1541Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1451as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1549as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1452watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1550watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1453SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1551SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1454 1552
1455If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1553If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1456C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1554C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1457interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1555interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1458signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1556signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1459them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1557them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1460 1558
1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1462 1560
1477 1575
1478=head3 Examples 1576=head3 Examples
1479 1577
1480Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1578Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1481 1579
1482 static void 1580 static void
1483 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1581 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1484 { 1582 {
1485 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1583 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1486 } 1584 }
1487 1585
1488 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1586 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1489 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1587 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1490 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1588 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1491 1589
1492 1590
1493=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1591=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1494 1592
1495Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1497is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1595is 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 1596forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1499loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1597loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1500 1598
1501Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1599Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1502you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1600you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1503 1601
1504=head3 Process Interaction 1602=head3 Process Interaction
1505 1603
1506Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1604Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1507initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1605initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1508the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1606the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1509of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1607of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1510synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1608synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1511children, even ones not watched. 1609children, even ones not watched.
1512 1610
1513=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1611=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1517handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1615handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1518C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1616C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1519default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1617default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1520event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1618event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1521that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1619that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1620
1621=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1622
1623Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1624child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1625callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1626when a child exit is detected.
1522 1627
1523=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1628=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1524 1629
1525=over 4 1630=over 4
1526 1631
1555=head3 Examples 1660=head3 Examples
1556 1661
1557Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1662Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1558its completion. 1663its completion.
1559 1664
1560 ev_child cw; 1665 ev_child cw;
1561 1666
1562 static void 1667 static void
1563 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1668 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1564 { 1669 {
1565 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1670 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1566 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1671 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1567 } 1672 }
1568 1673
1569 pid_t pid = fork (); 1674 pid_t pid = fork ();
1570 1675
1571 if (pid < 0) 1676 if (pid < 0)
1572 // error 1677 // error
1573 else if (pid == 0) 1678 else if (pid == 0)
1574 { 1679 {
1575 // the forked child executes here 1680 // the forked child executes here
1576 exit (1); 1681 exit (1);
1577 } 1682 }
1578 else 1683 else
1579 { 1684 {
1580 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1685 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1581 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1686 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1582 } 1687 }
1583 1688
1584 1689
1585=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1690=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1586 1691
1587This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1692This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1588C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1693C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1589compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1694compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1590 1695
1591The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1696The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1592not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1697not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1610as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1715as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1611resource-intensive. 1716resource-intensive.
1612 1717
1613At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1718At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1614implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1719implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1720reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1615reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1721semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1616semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1722not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1617to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1723sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1618usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1724but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1619polling. 1725will be no polling.
1620 1726
1621=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1727=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1622 1728
1623Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1729Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1624compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1730compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1625disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1731support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1626structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1732structure. 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 1733use 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 1734compile 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 1735obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1630most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1736most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1737
1738The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1739file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1740optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1741to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1742default compilation environment.
1631 1743
1632=head3 Inotify 1744=head3 Inotify
1633 1745
1634When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1746When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1635available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1747available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1645implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1757implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1646descriptor open on the object at all times). 1758descriptor open on the object at all times).
1647 1759
1648=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1760=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1649 1761
1650The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1762The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1651even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1763even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1652only support whole seconds. 1764only support whole seconds.
1653 1765
1654That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1766That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1655miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1767easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1656your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1768calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1657the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1769within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1770data does not change.
1658 1771
1659The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1772The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1660the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1773than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1661(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1774a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1662is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1775ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1663systems. 1776
1777The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1778of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1779might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1780C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1781a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1782update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1783the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1784the timer callback).
1664 1785
1665=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1786=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1666 1787
1667=over 4 1788=over 4
1668 1789
1674C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1795C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1675be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1796be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1676a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1797a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1677path for as long as the watcher is active. 1798path for as long as the watcher is active.
1678 1799
1679The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1800The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1680relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1801to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1681last change was detected). 1802was detected).
1682 1803
1683=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1804=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1684 1805
1685Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1806Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1686watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1807watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1687detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1808detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1688useful simply to find out the new values. 1809the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1810new values.
1689 1811
1690=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1812=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1691 1813
1692The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1814The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1693C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1815C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1694suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1816suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1817members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1695was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1818some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1696 1819
1697=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1820=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1698 1821
1699The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1822The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1700C<prev> != C<attr>. 1823C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1824differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1825C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1701 1826
1702=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1827=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1703 1828
1704The specified interval. 1829The specified interval.
1705 1830
1706=item const char *path [read-only] 1831=item const char *path [read-only]
1707 1832
1708The filesystem path that is being watched. 1833The file system path that is being watched.
1709 1834
1710=back 1835=back
1711 1836
1712=head3 Examples 1837=head3 Examples
1713 1838
1714Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1839Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1715 1840
1716 static void 1841 static void
1717 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1842 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1718 { 1843 {
1719 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1844 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1720 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1845 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1721 { 1846 {
1722 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1847 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1723 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1848 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1724 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1849 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1725 } 1850 }
1726 else 1851 else
1727 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1852 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1728 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1853 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1729 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1854 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1730 } 1855 }
1731 1856
1732 ... 1857 ...
1733 ev_stat passwd; 1858 ev_stat passwd;
1734 1859
1735 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1860 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1736 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1861 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1737 1862
1738Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1863Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1739miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1864miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1740one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1865one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1741C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1866C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1742 1867
1743 static ev_stat passwd; 1868 static ev_stat passwd;
1744 static ev_timer timer; 1869 static ev_timer timer;
1745 1870
1746 static void 1871 static void
1747 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1872 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1748 { 1873 {
1749 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1874 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1750 1875
1751 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1876 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1752 } 1877 }
1753 1878
1754 static void 1879 static void
1755 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1880 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1756 { 1881 {
1757 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1882 /* reset the one-second timer */
1758 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1883 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1759 } 1884 }
1760 1885
1761 ... 1886 ...
1762 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1887 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1763 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1888 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1764 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1889 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1765 1890
1766 1891
1767=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1892=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1768 1893
1769Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1894Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1800=head3 Examples 1925=head3 Examples
1801 1926
1802Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1927Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1803callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1928callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1804 1929
1805 static void 1930 static void
1806 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1931 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1807 { 1932 {
1808 free (w); 1933 free (w);
1809 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1934 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1810 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1935 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1811 } 1936 }
1812 1937
1813 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1938 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1814 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1939 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1815 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1940 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1816 1941
1817 1942
1818=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1943=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1819 1944
1820Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1945Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1839 1964
1840This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1965This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1841to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1966to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1842them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1967them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1843provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1968provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1844any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1969any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1845and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1970and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1846callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1971callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1847because you never know, you know?). 1972because you never know, you know?).
1848 1973
1849As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1974As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1857 1982
1858It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1983It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1859priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1984priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1860after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1985after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1861too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1986too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1862supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1987supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1863did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1988did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1864(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1989(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1865state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1990state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1866coexist peacefully with others). 1991coexist peacefully with others).
1867 1992
1882=head3 Examples 2007=head3 Examples
1883 2008
1884There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2009There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1885into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2010into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1886(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2011(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1887use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2012use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1888embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2013Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1889into the Glib event loop). 2014Glib event loop).
1890 2015
1891Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2016Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1892and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2017and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1893is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2018is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1894priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2019priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1895the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2020the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1896 2021
1897 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2022 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1898 static ev_timer tw; 2023 static ev_timer tw;
1899 2024
1900 static void 2025 static void
1901 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2026 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1902 { 2027 {
1903 } 2028 }
1904 2029
1905 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2030 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1906 static void 2031 static void
1907 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2032 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1908 { 2033 {
1909 int timeout = 3600000; 2034 int timeout = 3600000;
1910 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2035 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1911 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2036 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1912 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2037 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1913 2038
1914 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2039 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1915 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2040 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1916 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2041 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1917 2042
1918 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2043 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1919 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2044 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1920 { 2045 {
1921 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2046 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1922 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2047 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1923 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2048 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1924 2049
1925 fds [i].revents = 0; 2050 fds [i].revents = 0;
1926 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2051 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1927 } 2052 }
1928 } 2053 }
1929 2054
1930 // stop all watchers after blocking 2055 // stop all watchers after blocking
1931 static void 2056 static void
1932 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2057 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1933 { 2058 {
1934 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2059 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1935 2060
1936 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2061 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1937 { 2062 {
1938 // set the relevant poll flags 2063 // set the relevant poll flags
1939 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2064 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1940 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2065 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1941 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2066 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1942 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2067 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1943 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2068 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1944 2069
1945 // now stop the watcher 2070 // now stop the watcher
1946 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2071 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1947 } 2072 }
1948 2073
1949 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2074 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1950 } 2075 }
1951 2076
1952Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2077Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1953in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2078in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1954 2079
1955Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2080Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1956notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2081notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1957callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2082callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1958 2083
1959 static void 2084 static void
1960 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2085 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1961 { 2086 {
1962 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2087 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1963 update_now (EV_A); 2088 update_now (EV_A);
1964 2089
1965 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2090 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1966 } 2091 }
1967 2092
1968 static void 2093 static void
1969 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2094 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1970 { 2095 {
1971 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2096 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1972 update_now (EV_A); 2097 update_now (EV_A);
1973 2098
1974 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2099 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1975 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2100 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1976 } 2101 }
1977 2102
1978 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2103 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1979 2104
1980Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2105Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1981want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2106want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1982their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2107their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1983loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2108loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1984this. 2109this.
1985 2110
1986 static gint 2111 static gint
1987 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2112 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1988 { 2113 {
1989 int got_events = 0; 2114 int got_events = 0;
1990 2115
1991 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2116 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1992 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2117 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1993 2118
1994 if (timeout >= 0) 2119 if (timeout >= 0)
1995 // create/start timer 2120 // create/start timer
1996 2121
1997 // poll 2122 // poll
1998 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2123 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1999 2124
2000 // stop timer again 2125 // stop timer again
2001 if (timeout >= 0) 2126 if (timeout >= 0)
2002 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2127 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2003 2128
2004 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2129 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2005 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2130 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2006 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2131 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2007 2132
2008 return got_events; 2133 return got_events;
2009 } 2134 }
2010 2135
2011 2136
2012=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2137=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2013 2138
2014This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2139This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2070 2195
2071Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2196Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2072embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2197embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2073invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2198invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2074to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2199to 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). 2200if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2076 2201
2077=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2202=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2078 2203
2079Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2204Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2080similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2205similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2081apropriate way for embedded loops. 2206appropriate way for embedded loops.
2082 2207
2083=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2208=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2084 2209
2085The embedded event loop. 2210The embedded event loop.
2086 2211
2088 2213
2089=head3 Examples 2214=head3 Examples
2090 2215
2091Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2216Example: 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 2217event 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 2218loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2094C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2219C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2095used). 2220used).
2096 2221
2097 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2222 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2098 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2223 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2099 struct ev_embed embed; 2224 struct ev_embed embed;
2100 2225
2101 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2226 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2102 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2227 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2103 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2228 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2104 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2229 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2105 : 0; 2230 : 0;
2106 2231
2107 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2232 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2108 if (loop_lo) 2233 if (loop_lo)
2109 { 2234 {
2110 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2235 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2111 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2236 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2112 } 2237 }
2113 else 2238 else
2114 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2239 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2115 2240
2116Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2241Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2117a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2242a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2118kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2243kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2119C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2244C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2120 2245
2121 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2246 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2122 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2247 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2123 struct ev_embed embed; 2248 struct ev_embed embed;
2124 2249
2125 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2250 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2126 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2251 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2127 { 2252 {
2128 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2253 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2129 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2254 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2130 } 2255 }
2131 2256
2132 if (!loop_socket) 2257 if (!loop_socket)
2133 loop_socket = loop; 2258 loop_socket = loop;
2134 2259
2135 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2260 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2136 2261
2137 2262
2138=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2263=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2139 2264
2140Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2265Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2193 2318
2194=item queueing from a signal handler context 2319=item queueing from a signal handler context
2195 2320
2196To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2321To 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 2322handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2198some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2323some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2199 2324
2200 static ev_async mysig; 2325 static ev_async mysig;
2201 2326
2202 static void 2327 static void
2203 sigusr1_handler (void) 2328 sigusr1_handler (void)
2277=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2402=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2278 2403
2279Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2404Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2280an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2405an 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 2406C<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 2407similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2283section below on what exactly this means). 2408section below on what exactly this means).
2284 2409
2285This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2410This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2286so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2411so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2287calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2412calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2288 2413
2289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2414=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2290 2415
2291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2416Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2293event loop. 2418event loop.
2294 2419
2295C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2420C<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, 2421the 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 2422it 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. 2423quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2299 2424
2300Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2425Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2301wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2426whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2302 2427
2303=back 2428=back
2304 2429
2305 2430
2306=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2431=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2317or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2442or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2318more watchers yourself. 2443more watchers yourself.
2319 2444
2320If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2445If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2321is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2446is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2322C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2447C<events> set will be created and started.
2323 2448
2324If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2449If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2325started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2450started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2326repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2451repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2327dubious value. 2452dubious value.
2329The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2454The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2330passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2455passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2331C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2456C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2332value passed to C<ev_once>: 2457value passed to C<ev_once>:
2333 2458
2334 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2459 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2335 { 2460 {
2336 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2461 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2337 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2462 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2338 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2463 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2339 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2464 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2340 } 2465 }
2341 2466
2342 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2467 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2343 2468
2344=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2469=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2345 2470
2346Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2471Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2347had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2472had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2352Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2477Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2353the given events it. 2478the given events it.
2354 2479
2355=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2480=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2356 2481
2357Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2482Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2358loop!). 2483loop!).
2359 2484
2360=back 2485=back
2361 2486
2362 2487
2391=back 2516=back
2392 2517
2393=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2518=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2394 2519
2395Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2520Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2396you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2521you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2397the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2522the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2398 2523
2399To use it, 2524To use it,
2400 2525
2401 #include <ev++.h> 2526 #include <ev++.h>
2402 2527
2403This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2528This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2404of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2529of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2405put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2530put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2406options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2531options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2473your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2598your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2474thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2599thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2475 2600
2476Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2601Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2477 2602
2478 struct myclass 2603 struct myclass
2479 { 2604 {
2480 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2605 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2481 } 2606 }
2482 2607
2483 myclass obj; 2608 myclass obj;
2484 ev::io iow; 2609 ev::io iow;
2485 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2610 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2486 2611
2487=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2612=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2488 2613
2489Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2614Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2490callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2615callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2494 2619
2495See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2620See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2496 2621
2497Example: 2622Example:
2498 2623
2499 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2624 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2500 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2625 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2501 2626
2502=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2627=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2503 2628
2504Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2629Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2505do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2630do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2506 2631
2507=item w->set ([args]) 2632=item w->set ([arguments])
2508 2633
2509Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2634Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2510called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2635called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2511automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2636automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2512method. 2637method.
2513 2638
2514=item w->start () 2639=item w->start ()
2538=back 2663=back
2539 2664
2540Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2665Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2541the constructor. 2666the constructor.
2542 2667
2543 class myclass 2668 class myclass
2544 { 2669 {
2545 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2670 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2546 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2671 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2547 2672
2548 myclass (int fd) 2673 myclass (int fd)
2549 { 2674 {
2550 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2675 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2551 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2676 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2552 2677
2553 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2678 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2554 } 2679 }
2555 }; 2680 };
2556 2681
2557 2682
2558=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2683=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2559 2684
2560Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2685Libev 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 2686number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2562any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2687any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2563me a note. 2688me a note.
2564 2689
2565=over 4 2690=over 4
2566 2691
2570libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2695libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2571there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2696there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2572to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2697to 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>). 2698C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2574 2699
2575It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2700It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2576L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2701L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2577 2702
2703=item Python
2704
2705Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2706seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2707patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2708for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2709libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2710libev).
2711
2578=item Ruby 2712=item Ruby
2579 2713
2580Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2714Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2581of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2715of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2582more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2716more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2583L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2717L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2584 2718
2585=item D 2719=item D
2586 2720
2587Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2721Leandro 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>. 2722be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2589 2723
2590=back 2724=back
2591 2725
2592 2726
2593=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2727=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2594 2728
2595Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2729Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2596of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2730of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2597functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2731functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2598 2732
2599To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2733To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2600following macros are defined: 2734following macros are defined:
2605 2739
2606This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2740This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2607loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2741loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2608C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2742C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2609 2743
2610 ev_unref (EV_A); 2744 ev_unref (EV_A);
2611 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2745 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2612 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2746 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2613 2747
2614It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2748It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2615which is often provided by the following macro. 2749which is often provided by the following macro.
2616 2750
2617=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2751=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2618 2752
2619This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2753This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2620loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2754loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2621C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2755C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2622 2756
2623 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2757 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2624 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2758 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2625 2759
2626 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2760 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2627 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2761 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2628 2762
2629It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2763It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2630suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2764suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2631 2765
2632=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2766=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2648 2782
2649Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2783Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2650macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2784macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2651or not. 2785or not.
2652 2786
2653 static void 2787 static void
2654 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2788 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2655 { 2789 {
2656 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2790 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2657 } 2791 }
2658 2792
2659 ev_check check; 2793 ev_check check;
2660 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2794 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2661 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2795 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2662 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2796 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2663 2797
2664=head1 EMBEDDING 2798=head1 EMBEDDING
2665 2799
2666Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2800Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2667applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2801applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2674libev somewhere in your source tree). 2808libev somewhere in your source tree).
2675 2809
2676=head2 FILESETS 2810=head2 FILESETS
2677 2811
2678Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2812Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2679in your app. 2813in your application.
2680 2814
2681=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2815=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2682 2816
2683To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2817To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2684configuration (no autoconf): 2818configuration (no autoconf):
2685 2819
2686 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2820 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2687 #include "ev.c" 2821 #include "ev.c"
2688 2822
2689This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2823This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2690single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2824single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2691it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2825it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2692done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2826done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2693where you can put other configuration options): 2827where you can put other configuration options):
2694 2828
2695 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2829 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2696 #include "ev.h" 2830 #include "ev.h"
2697 2831
2698Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2832Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2699compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2833compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2700as a bug). 2834as a bug).
2701 2835
2702You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2836You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2703in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2837in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2704 2838
2705 ev.h 2839 ev.h
2706 ev.c 2840 ev.c
2707 ev_vars.h 2841 ev_vars.h
2708 ev_wrap.h 2842 ev_wrap.h
2709 2843
2710 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2844 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2711 2845
2712 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2846 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2713 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2847 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2714 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2848 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2715 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2849 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2716 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2850 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2717 2851
2718F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2852F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2719to compile this single file. 2853to compile this single file.
2720 2854
2721=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2855=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2722 2856
2723To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2857To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2724 2858
2725 #include "event.c" 2859 #include "event.c"
2726 2860
2727in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2861in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2728 2862
2729 #include "event.h" 2863 #include "event.h"
2730 2864
2731in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2865in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2732 2866
2733You need the following additional files for this: 2867You need the following additional files for this:
2734 2868
2735 event.h 2869 event.h
2736 event.c 2870 event.c
2737 2871
2738=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2872=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2739 2873
2740Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2874Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2741whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2875whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2742F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2876F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2743include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2877include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2744 2878
2745For this of course you need the m4 file: 2879For this of course you need the m4 file:
2746 2880
2747 libev.m4 2881 libev.m4
2748 2882
2749=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2883=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2750 2884
2751Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2885Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2752define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of 2886define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2753autoconf is noted for every option. 2887autoconf is noted for every option.
2754 2888
2755=over 4 2889=over 4
2756 2890
2757=item EV_STANDALONE 2891=item EV_STANDALONE
2763F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2897F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2764 2898
2765=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2899=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2766 2900
2767If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2901If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2768monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2902monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2769of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2903of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2770usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2904usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2771the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2905the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2772to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2906to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2773function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2907function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2774 2908
2775=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2909=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2776 2910
2777If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2911If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2778realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2912real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2779runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2913runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2780be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2914be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2781(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2915(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2782note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2916note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2783 2917
2784=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2918=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
27952.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 29292.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2796 2930
2797=item EV_USE_SELECT 2931=item EV_USE_SELECT
2798 2932
2799If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2933If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2800C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2934C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2801other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2935other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2802will not be compiled in. 2936will not be compiled in.
2803 2937
2804=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2938=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2805 2939
2806If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2940If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2807structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2941structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2808C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2942C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2809exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2943exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2810low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2944low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2811allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2945allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2812influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2946influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2813 2947
2862otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2996otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2863backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2997backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2864 2998
2865=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2999=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2866 3000
2867reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3001Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2868 3002
2869=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3003=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2870 3004
2871If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3005If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2872interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3006interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2879access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3013access 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 3014type 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" 3015that 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. 3016as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2883 3017
2884In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3018In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2885(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3019(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2886 3020
2887=item EV_H 3021=item EV_H
2888 3022
2889The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3023The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2928When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3062When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2929all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3063all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2930and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3064and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2931fine. 3065fine.
2932 3066
2933If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3067If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2934C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3068C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2935 3069
2936=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3070=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2937 3071
2938If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3072If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2939defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3073defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2966defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3100defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2967 3101
2968=item EV_MINIMAL 3102=item EV_MINIMAL
2969 3103
2970If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3104If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2971speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3105speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2972some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3106inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3107much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2973 3108
2974=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3109=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2975 3110
2976C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3111C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2977pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3112pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2984inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3119inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2985usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3120usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2986watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3121watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2987two). 3122two).
2988 3123
3124=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3125
3126Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3127timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3128to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3129noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3130
3131The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3132(disabled).
3133
3134=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3135
3136Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3137timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3138the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3139which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3140but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3141noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3142
3143The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3144(disabled).
3145
3146=item EV_VERIFY
3147
3148Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3149be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3150in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3151called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3152called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3153verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3154libev considerably.
3155
3156The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3157C<0.>
3158
2989=item EV_COMMON 3159=item EV_COMMON
2990 3160
2991By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3161By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2992this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3162this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2993members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3163members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2994though, and it must be identical each time. 3164though, and it must be identical each time.
2995 3165
2996For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3166For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2997 3167
2998 #define EV_COMMON \ 3168 #define EV_COMMON \
2999 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3169 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3000 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3170 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3001 3171
3002=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3172=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3003 3173
3004=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3174=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3005 3175
3012avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3182avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3013method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3183method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3014 3184
3015=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3185=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3016 3186
3017If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3187If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3018exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3188exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3019all public symbols, one per line: 3189all public symbols, one per line:
3020 3190
3021 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3191 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3022 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3192 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3023 3193
3024This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3194This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3025multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3195multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3026itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3196itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3027 3197
3028A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3198A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3029include before including F<ev.h>: 3199include before including F<ev.h>:
3030 3200
3031 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3201 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3048file. 3218file.
3049 3219
3050The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3220The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3051that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3221that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3052 3222
3053 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3223 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3054 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3224 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3055 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3225 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3056 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3226 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3057 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3227 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3058 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3228 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3059 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3229 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3060 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3230 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3061 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3231 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3062 3232
3063 #include "ev++.h" 3233 #include "ev++.h"
3064 3234
3065And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3235And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3066 3236
3067 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3237 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3068 #include "ev.c" 3238 #include "ev.c"
3069 3239
3070 3240
3071=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3241=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3072 3242
3073=head2 THREADS 3243=head2 THREADS
3074 3244
3075Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3245Libev itself is thread-safe (unless the opposite is specifically
3246documented for a function), but it uses no locking itself. This means that
3076means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3247you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as only one
3077only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3248thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop parameter:
3078parameter. 3249libev guarentees that different event loops share no data structures that
3250need locking.
3079 3251
3080Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3252Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3081parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3253concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3082done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3254must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3083thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3255only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3084per loop). 3256a mutex per loop).
3085 3257
3086If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot 3258Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3087help you but by giving some generic advice: 3259so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3260concurrency on the same event loop.
3261
3262If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3263without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3264help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3088 3265
3089=over 4 3266=over 4
3090 3267
3091=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3268=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. 3269in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3093 3270
3094This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3271This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3095themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3272themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3096 3273
3097=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3274=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3098 3275
3099Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3276Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3100exists, but it is always a good start. 3277exists, but it is always a good start.
3101 3278
3102=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3279=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. 3280loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3104 3281
3105Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3282Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3106better than you currently do :-) 3283better than you currently do :-)
3107 3284
3108=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3285=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 3286event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3110threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3287threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3111 3288
3289=item * some watcher types are only supported in the default loop - use
3290C<ev_async> watchers to tell your other loops about any such events.
3291
3112=back 3292=back
3113 3293
3114=head2 COROUTINES 3294=head2 COROUTINES
3115 3295
3116Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3296Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3117libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3297libev 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 3298coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3119different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3299different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3120loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3300loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3121you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3301you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3162correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3342correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3163have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3343have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3164 3344
3165=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3345=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3166 3346
3167By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3347By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3168beginning of the storage array. 3348fixed position in the storage array.
3169 3349
3170=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3350=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3171 3351
3172A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3352A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3173libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3353libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3174on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3354on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3175 3355
3176=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3356=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3177 3357
3178=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3358=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3179 3359
3186 3366
3187=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3367=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3188 3368
3189=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3369=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3190 3370
3191Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3371Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3192calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3372calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3193involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3373involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3194 3374
3195=back 3375=back
3196 3376
3197 3377
3198=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3378=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3199 3379
3200Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3380Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3201requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3381requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3202model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3382model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3203the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3383the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3204descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3384descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3205e.g. cygwin. 3385e.g. cygwin.
3206 3386
3387Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3388re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3389things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3390way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3391
3207There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3392There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3208embedding it into other applications. 3393embedding it into other applications.
3209 3394
3395Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3396accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3397either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3398so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3399megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3400available).
3401
3210Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3402Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3211abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3403the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3212recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3404is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3213a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3405more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3214implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3406different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3215be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3407notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3408(Microsoft monopoly games).
3409
3410A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3411section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3412of F<ev.h>:
3413
3414 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3415 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3416
3417 #include "ev.h"
3418
3419And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3420you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3421
3422 #include "evwrap.h"
3423 #include "ev.c"
3216 3424
3217=over 4 3425=over 4
3218 3426
3219=item The winsocket select function 3427=item The winsocket select function
3220 3428
3221The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3429The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3222socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3430requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3223very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3431also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3224to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3432requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3225C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3433C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3226symbols for more info. 3434discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3435C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3227 3436
3228The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3437The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3229libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3438libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3230 3439
3231 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3440 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3232 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3441 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3233 3442
3234Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3443Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3235complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3444complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3236 3445
3237=item Limited number of file descriptors 3446=item Limited number of file descriptors
3238 3447
3239Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3448Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3240of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3449
3450Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3241(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3451of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3242C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3452can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3243chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3453recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3454previous thread in each. Great).
3244 3455
3245Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3456Newer 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 3457to 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 3458call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3248select emulation on windows). 3459select emulation on windows).
3249 3460
3250Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3461Another 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 3462libraries, 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 3463or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3253C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3464C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3254arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3465arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3255libraries. 3466libraries.
3256 3467
3257This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3468This 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 3469windows 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 3470wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3266 3477
3267In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3478In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3268additional extensions: 3479additional extensions:
3269 3480
3270=over 4 3481=over 4
3482
3483=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3484calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3485
3486Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3487structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3488assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3489callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3490calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3271 3491
3272=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3492=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3273 3493
3274The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3494The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3275C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3495C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3287 3507
3288The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 3508The 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 3509except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3290well. 3510well.
3291 3511
3512=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3513
3514To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3515internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3516non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3517is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3518millions of watchers.
3519
3520=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3521
3522The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3523have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3524enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3525implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3526
3292=back 3527=back
3293 3528
3294If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3529If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3295 3530
3296 3531
3532=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3533
3534Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3535lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3536scared by this.
3537
3538However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3539has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3540warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3541targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3542
3543Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3544workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3545maintainable.
3546
3547And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3548wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3549seems to warn about).
3550
3551While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3552"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3553with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3554them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3555warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3556
3557
3558=head1 VALGRIND
3559
3560Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3561highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3562
3563If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3564in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3565
3566 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3567 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3568 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3569
3570Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3571valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3572might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3573
3574If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3575with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3576a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3577no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3578properly.
3579
3580If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3581I suggest using suppression lists.
3582
3583
3297=head1 AUTHOR 3584=head1 AUTHOR
3298 3585
3299Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3586Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3300 3587

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