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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.148 by root, Thu Apr 24 01:42:11 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.208 by root, Wed Oct 29 10:24:23 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_ 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_ 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 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
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
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
193C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
194recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
195 216
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 218
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
199 220
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
229 } 250 }
230 251
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)); [NOT REENTRANT]
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.
255 276
256=back 277=back
257 278
258=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
259 280
260An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
261types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
262events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
284
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
287not.
263 288
264=over 4 289=over 4
265 290
266=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
267 292
273If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
274function. 299function.
275 300
276Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
277from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
278as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 303as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
279 304
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The 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 306C<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 307for 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 308create 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 309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 310C<ev_default_init>.
286 311
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The 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 321The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
298 323
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 325
301If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 326If 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 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 329override 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 330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
306around bugs. 331around bugs.
313 338
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This 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 340and 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 341iterations 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 342GNU/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 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 345
321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 346The 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 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 348flag.
324 349
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable. 351environment variable.
327 352
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 354
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This 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 357but 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 358using 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. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 360
336To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 361To 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 362parallelism (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 363writing 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 364connections 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 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readyness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
342 371
343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 372=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
344 373
345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
347limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit 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, 377considerably 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 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
350performance tips. 379performance tips.
351 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
353 385
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but 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), 388like 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 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll syscalls are the most misdesigned of the more advanced event
360support for dup. 392mechanisms: problems include silently dropping fds, requiring a system
393call per change per fd (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems
394with dup and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a
395program forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the
396epoll set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per fd) and is of
397course hard to detect.
398
399Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
400of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
401I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
402even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
403on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
404employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
405events to filter out spurious ones.
361 406
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 407While 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 408will 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 409(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 410best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
366very well if you register events for both fds. 411very well if you register events for both fds.
367 412
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
369need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
370(or space) is available.
371
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 413Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 414watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 415i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
416starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
417extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
418as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
419take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
375 420
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 421While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 422all kernel versions tested so far.
378 423
424This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
425C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
426
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 427=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 428
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 429Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 430broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 431anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 432completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 433you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 434libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
387system like NetBSD.
388 435
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 436You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
390only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 437only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 438the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 439
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 440It 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 441kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 442course). 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 443cause 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 444two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 445sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
446cases
399 447
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 448This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 449
402While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 450While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
403everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 451everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
404almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 452almost 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 453(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 454(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
407sockets. 455using it only for sockets.
456
457This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
458C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
459C<NOTE_EOF>.
408 460
409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 461=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
410 462
411This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 463This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
412implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 464implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 468=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 469
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 470This 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)). 471it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 472
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 473Please 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 474notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 475blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 476
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 477While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 478file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 479descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better. 480might perform better.
429 481
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 482On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 483notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 484in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
485OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
486
487This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
488C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
433 489
434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 490=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
435 491
436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 492Try 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 493with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
439 495
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 496It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 497
442=back 498=back
443 499
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 500If 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 501backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 502specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 503
448The most typical usage is like this: 504Example: This is the most typical usage.
449 505
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 506 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 507 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 508
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 509Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 510environment settings to be taken into account:
455 511
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 512 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 513
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 514Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 515used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 516private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
517fds):
461 518
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 519 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 520
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 521=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 522
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 523Similar 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 524always 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 529libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 530default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
474 531
475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 532Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
476 533
477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 534 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 if (!epoller) 535 if (!epoller)
479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 536 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
480 537
481=item ev_default_destroy () 538=item ev_default_destroy ()
482 539
483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 540Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
484etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 541etc.). 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 542sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 543responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 544calling 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 545the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
489for example). 546for example).
490 547
491Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 548Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
492this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 549handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
493would need to be stopped manually. 550as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
494 551
495In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 552In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
496rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 553rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
497pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 554pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
498C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 555C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
523 580
524=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 581=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
525 582
526Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 583Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
527C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 584C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
528after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 585after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
586entirely your own problem.
529 587
530=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 588=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
531 589
532Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 590Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
591otherwise.
533 592
534=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 593=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
535 594
536Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 595Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
537the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 596the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
552received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 611received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
553change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 612change 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 613time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
555event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 614event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
556 615
616=item ev_now_update (loop)
617
618Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
619returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
620is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
621
622This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
623very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
624the current time is a good idea.
625
626See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
627
557=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 628=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
558 629
559Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 630Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
560after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 631after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
561events. 632events.
563If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 634If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
564either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 635either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
565 636
566Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 637Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
567relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 638relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
568finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 639finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
569automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 640that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
570relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 641of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
642beauty.
571 643
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 644A 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 645those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
574case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 646process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
647the loop.
575 648
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 649A 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 650necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
578your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 651will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
579one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 652be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
580external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 653user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
654iteration of the loop.
655
656This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
657with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
581libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 658own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
582usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 659usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
583 660
584Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 661Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
585 662
586 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 663 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
587 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 664 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
588 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 665 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
589 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 666 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
590 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 667 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
668 as to not disturb the other process.
591 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 669 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
592 - Update the "event loop time". 670 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
593 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 671 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
594 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 672 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
595 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 673 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
596 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 674 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
597 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 675 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
598 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 676 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
599 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 677 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
600 - Queue all outstanding timers. 678 - Queue all expired timers.
601 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 679 - Queue all expired periodics.
602 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 680 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
603 - Queue all check watchers. 681 - Queue all check watchers.
604 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 682 - 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 683 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
606 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 684 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
607 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 685 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
612anymore. 690anymore.
613 691
614 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 692 ... 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..) 693 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
616 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 694 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
617 ... jobs done. yeah! 695 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
618 696
619=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 697=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
620 698
621Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 699Can 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 700has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
623C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 701C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
624C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 702C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
625 703
626This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 704This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
627 705
706It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
707
628=item ev_ref (loop) 708=item ev_ref (loop)
629 709
630=item ev_unref (loop) 710=item ev_unref (loop)
631 711
632Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 712Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
633loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 713loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
634count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 714count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
715
635a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 716If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
636returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 717from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
718stopping it.
719
637example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 720As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
638visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 721not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
639no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 722if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
640way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 723way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
641libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 724libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
642(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 725(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
643respectively). 726respectively).
644 727
645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 728Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
646running when nothing else is active. 729running when nothing else is active.
647 730
648 struct ev_signal exitsig; 731 ev_signal exitsig;
649 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 732 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
650 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 733 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
651 evf_unref (loop); 734 evf_unref (loop);
652 735
653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 736Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
654 737
655 ev_ref (loop); 738 ev_ref (loop);
656 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 739 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
657 740
658=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 741=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
659 742
660=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 743=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
661 744
662These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 745These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
663for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 746for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
664invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 747will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
748latency.
665 749
666Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 750Setting 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 751allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
668increase efficiency of loop iterations. 752to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
753opportunities).
669 754
670The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 755The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
671handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 756one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
672the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 757program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
673events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 758events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
674overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 759overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
675 760
676By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 761By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
677time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 762time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
679C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 764C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
680introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 765introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
681 766
682Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 767Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
683to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 768to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
684latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 769latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
685will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 770later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
686any overhead in libev. 771value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
687 772
688Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 773Many (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 774interval 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 775interactive 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>, 776usually 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. 777as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
778
779Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
780saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
781are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
782times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
783reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
784they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
785
786=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
787
788This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
789compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
790through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
791is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
792error and call C<abort ()>.
793
794This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
795circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
796data structures consistent.
693 797
694=back 798=back
695 799
696 800
697=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 801=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
802
803In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
804watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
805watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
698 806
699A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 807A 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 808interest 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: 809become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
702 810
703 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 811 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
704 { 812 {
705 ev_io_stop (w); 813 ev_io_stop (w);
706 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
707 } 815 }
708 816
709 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 817 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
818
710 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 819 ev_io stdin_watcher;
820
711 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 821 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
712 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 822 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
713 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 823 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
824
714 ev_loop (loop, 0); 825 ev_loop (loop, 0);
715 826
716As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 827As 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, 828watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
718although this can sometimes be quite valid). 829stack).
830
831Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
832or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
719 833
720Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 834Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
721(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 835(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
722callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 836callback 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 837watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
724is readable and/or writable). 838is readable and/or writable).
725 839
726Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 840Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
727with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 841macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
728to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 842is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
729(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 843ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
730 844
731To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 845To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
732with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 846with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
733*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 847*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
734corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 848corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
735 849
736As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 850As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
737must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 851must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
738reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 852reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
739 853
740Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 854Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
741registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 855registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
742third argument. 856third argument.
743 857
803 917
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 918The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
805 919
806=item C<EV_ERROR> 920=item C<EV_ERROR>
807 921
808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 922An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 923happen 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 924ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
925problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
926
811problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 927You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
812with the watcher being stopped. 928watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
929an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
930bug in your program.
813 931
814Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 932Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
815for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 933example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
816your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 934callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
817with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 935the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
818programs, though, so beware. 936programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
937thing, so beware.
819 938
820=back 939=back
821 940
822=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 941=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
823
824In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
825e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
826 942
827=over 4 943=over 4
828 944
829=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 945=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
830 946
836which rolls both calls into one. 952which rolls both calls into one.
837 953
838You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 954You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
839(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 955(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
840 956
841The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 957The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
842int revents)>. 958int revents)>.
959
960Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
961
962 ev_io w;
963 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
964 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
843 965
844=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 966=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
845 967
846This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 968This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
847call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 969call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
850difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 972difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
851 973
852Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 974Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
853(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 975(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
854 976
977See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
978
855=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 979=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
856 980
857This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 981This 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 982calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
859a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 983a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
984
985Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
986
987 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
860 988
861=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 989=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
862 990
863Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 991Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
864events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 992events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
865 993
994Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
995whole section.
996
997 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
998
866=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 999=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
867 1000
868Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1001Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1002the watcher was active or not).
1003
869status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1004It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
870non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1005non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
871C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1006calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
872you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1007pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
873good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1008therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
874 1009
875=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1010=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
876 1011
877Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1012Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
878and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1013and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
920The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1055The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
921always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1056always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
922 1057
923Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1058Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
924fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1059fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
925or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1060or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
926 1061
927=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1062=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
928 1063
929Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1064Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
930C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1065C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
931can deal with that fact. 1066can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1067callback.
932 1068
933=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1069=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
934 1070
935If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1071If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
936and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1072returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
937watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1073watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
938 1074
1075Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1076callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1077
939=back 1078=back
940 1079
941 1080
942=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1081=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
943 1082
944Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1083Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
945and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1084and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
946to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1085to 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 1086don'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 1087member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
949data: 1088data:
950 1089
951 struct my_io 1090 struct my_io
952 { 1091 {
953 struct ev_io io; 1092 ev_io io;
954 int otherfd; 1093 int otherfd;
955 void *somedata; 1094 void *somedata;
956 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1095 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
957 } 1096 };
1097
1098 ...
1099 struct my_io w;
1100 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
958 1101
959And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1102And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
960can cast it back to your own type: 1103can cast it back to your own type:
961 1104
962 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1105 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
963 { 1106 {
964 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1107 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
965 ... 1108 ...
966 } 1109 }
967 1110
968More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1111More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
969instead have been omitted. 1112instead have been omitted.
970 1113
971Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1114Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
972watchers: 1115embedded watchers:
973 1116
974 struct my_biggy 1117 struct my_biggy
975 { 1118 {
976 int some_data; 1119 int some_data;
977 ev_timer t1; 1120 ev_timer t1;
978 ev_timer t2; 1121 ev_timer t2;
979 } 1122 }
980 1123
981In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1124In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
982you need to use C<offsetof>: 1125complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1126in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1127some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1128programmers):
983 1129
984 #include <stddef.h> 1130 #include <stddef.h>
985 1131
986 static void 1132 static void
987 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1133 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
988 { 1134 {
989 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1135 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
990 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1136 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
991 } 1137 }
992 1138
993 static void 1139 static void
994 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1140 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
995 { 1141 {
996 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1142 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
997 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1143 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
998 } 1144 }
999 1145
1000 1146
1001=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1147=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1002 1148
1003This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1149This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1027In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1173In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1028fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1174fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1029descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1175descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1030required if you know what you are doing). 1176required if you know what you are doing).
1031 1177
1032If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1178If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1033(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1179known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1034C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1180C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1035 1181
1036Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1182Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1037receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1183receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1038be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1184be 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 1185because 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 1186lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1041this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1187this 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 1188it 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. 1189C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1044 1190
1045If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1191If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1046play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1192not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1047whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1193re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1048such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1194interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1049its own, so its quite safe to use). 1195does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1196use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1197indefinitely.
1198
1199But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1050 1200
1051=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1201=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1052 1202
1053Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1203Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1054descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1204descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1055such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1205such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1056descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1206descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1057this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1207this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1058registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1208registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1059fact, a different file descriptor. 1209fact, a different file descriptor.
1060 1210
1091enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1241enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1092C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1242C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1093 1243
1094=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1244=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1095 1245
1096While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1246While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1097when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1247when 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 1248sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1099programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1249this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1100undesirable.
1101 1250
1102So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1251So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1103ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1252ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1104somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1253somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1105 1254
1111=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1260=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1112 1261
1113=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1262=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1114 1263
1115Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1264Configures 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 1265receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1117C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1266C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1118 1267
1119=item int fd [read-only] 1268=item int fd [read-only]
1120 1269
1121The file descriptor being watched. 1270The file descriptor being watched.
1122 1271
1130 1279
1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1280Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1281readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1282attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1134 1283
1135 static void 1284 static void
1136 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1285 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1137 { 1286 {
1138 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1287 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1139 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1288 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1140 } 1289 }
1141 1290
1142 ... 1291 ...
1143 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1292 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1144 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1293 ev_io stdin_readable;
1145 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1294 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1146 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1295 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1147 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1148 1297
1149 1298
1150=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1299=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1151 1300
1152Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1301Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1153given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1302given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1154 1303
1155The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1304The 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 1305times 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 1306year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1158detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1307detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1159monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1308monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1309
1310The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1311passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1312then order of execution is undefined.
1313
1314=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1315
1316Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1317recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1318you want to raise some error after a while.
1319
1320What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1321inefficient to smart and efficient.
1322
1323In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1324gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1325data or other life sign was received).
1326
1327=over 4
1328
1329=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1330
1331This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1332start the watcher:
1333
1334 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1335 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1336
1337Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1338and start it again:
1339
1340 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1341 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1342 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1343
1344This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1345some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1346data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1347still not a constant-time operation.
1348
1349=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1350
1351This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1352C<ev_timer_start>.
1353
1354To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1355of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1356successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1357you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1358the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1359
1360That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1361C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1362member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1363
1364At start:
1365
1366 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1367 timer->repeat = 60.;
1368 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1369
1370Each time there is some activity:
1371
1372 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1373
1374It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1375whether the watcher is active or not:
1376
1377 timer->repeat = 30.;
1378 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1379
1380This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1381you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1382remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1383
1384It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1385
1386=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1387
1388This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1389relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1390our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1391associated activity resets.
1392
1393In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1394but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1395within the callback:
1396
1397 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1398
1399 static void
1400 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1401 {
1402 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1403 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1404
1405 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1406 if (timeout < now)
1407 {
1408 // timeout occured, take action
1409 }
1410 else
1411 {
1412 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1413 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1414 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1415 w->again = timeout - now;
1416 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1417 }
1418 }
1419
1420To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1421as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1422been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1423the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1424re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1425a timeout then.
1426
1427Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1428C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1429
1430This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1431minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1432libev to change the timeout.
1433
1434To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1435to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1436callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1437
1438 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1439 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1440 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1441
1442And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1443C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1444
1445 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1446
1447This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1448time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1449
1450Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1451callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1452fix things for you.
1453
1454=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1455
1456If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1457employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1458do even better:
1459
1460When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1461at the I<end> of the list.
1462
1463Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1464the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1465
1466When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1467the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1468update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1469
1470This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1471starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1472complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1473ensures that the list stays sorted.
1474
1475=back
1476
1477So which method the best?
1478
1479Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1480situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1481better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1482one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1483
1484Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1485rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1486off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1487overkill :)
1488
1489=head3 The special problem of time updates
1490
1491Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1492least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1493time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1494growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1495lots of events in one iteration.
1160 1496
1161The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1497The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1162time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1498time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1163of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1499of 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 1500you 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: 1501timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1166 1502
1167 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1503 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1168 1504
1169The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1505If 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 1506update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1171order of execution is undefined. 1507()>.
1172 1508
1173=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1509=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174 1510
1175=over 4 1511=over 4
1176 1512
1177=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1513=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1178 1514
1179=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1515=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1180 1516
1181Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1517Configure 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 1518is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1183timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1519reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1184later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1520configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1521until stopped manually.
1185 1522
1186The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1523The 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 1524you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1188exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1525trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1189the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1526keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1190timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1527do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1191 1528
1192=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1529=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1193 1530
1194This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1531This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1195repeating. The exact semantics are: 1532repeating. The exact semantics are:
1196 1533
1197If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1534If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1198 1535
1199If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1536If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1200 1537
1201If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1538If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1202C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1539C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1203 1540
1204This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1541This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1205example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1542usage example.
1206timeout, 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
1208configure 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
1210you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1211socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1212automatically restart it if need be.
1213
1214That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1215altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1216
1217 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1218 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1219 ...
1220 timer->again = 17.;
1221 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1222 ...
1223 timer->again = 10.;
1224 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1225
1226This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1227you want to modify its timeout value.
1228 1543
1229=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1544=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1230 1545
1231The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1546The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1232or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1547or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1233which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1548which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1234 1549
1235=back 1550=back
1236 1551
1237=head3 Examples 1552=head3 Examples
1238 1553
1239Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1554Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1240 1555
1241 static void 1556 static void
1242 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1557 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1243 { 1558 {
1244 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1559 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1245 } 1560 }
1246 1561
1247 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1562 ev_timer mytimer;
1248 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1563 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1249 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1564 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1250 1565
1251Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1566Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1252inactivity. 1567inactivity.
1253 1568
1254 static void 1569 static void
1255 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1570 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1256 { 1571 {
1257 .. ten seconds without any activity 1572 .. ten seconds without any activity
1258 } 1573 }
1259 1574
1260 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1575 ev_timer mytimer;
1261 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1576 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1262 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1577 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1263 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1578 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1264 1579
1265 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1580 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1266 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1581 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1267 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1582 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1268 1583
1269 1584
1270=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1585=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1271 1586
1272Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1587Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1273(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1588(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1274 1589
1275Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1590Unlike 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 1591but 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 1592to 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 () 1593periodic 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 1594+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1595clock 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 1596to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1281roughly 10 seconds later). 1597roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1282 1598
1283They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1599C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1284triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1600such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1285rules. 1601complicated rules.
1286 1602
1287As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1603As 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 1604time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1289during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1605during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1290 1606
1291=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1607=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1292 1608
1293=over 4 1609=over 4
1294 1610
1295=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1611=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1296 1612
1297=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1613=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1298 1614
1299Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1615Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1300operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1616operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1301 1617
1302=over 4 1618=over 4
1303 1619
1304=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1620=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1305 1621
1306In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1622In 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, 1623time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1308that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1624jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1309system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1625only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1310 1626
1311=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1627=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1312 1628
1313In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1629In 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) 1630C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1315and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1631and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1316 1632
1317This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1633This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1318time: 1634system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1635hour, on the hour:
1319 1636
1320 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1637 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1321 1638
1322This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1639This 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 1640but 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 1641full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1325by 3600. 1642by 3600.
1326 1643
1327Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1644Another 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 1645C<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. 1646time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1330 1647
1331For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1648For 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 1649C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1333this value. 1650this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1651
1652Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1653speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1654will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1655millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1334 1656
1335=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1657=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1336 1658
1337In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1659In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1338ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1660ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1339reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1661reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1340current time as second argument. 1662current time as second argument.
1341 1663
1342NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1664NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1343ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1665ever, 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 1666
1667If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1668it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1669only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1670
1347Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1671The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1348ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1672*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1349 1673
1674 static ev_tstamp
1350 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1675 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1351 { 1676 {
1352 return now + 60.; 1677 return now + 60.;
1353 } 1678 }
1354 1679
1355It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1680It 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 1681(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 1682will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1358might be called at other times, too. 1683might be called at other times, too.
1359 1684
1360NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1685NOTE: 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. 1686equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1362 1687
1363This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1688This 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 1689triggers 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 1690next 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 1691you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1367reason I omitted it as an example). 1692reason I omitted it as an example).
1368 1693
1369=back 1694=back
1373Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1698Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1374when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1699when 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 1700a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1376program when the crontabs have changed). 1701program when the crontabs have changed).
1377 1702
1703=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1704
1705When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1706trigger next.
1707
1378=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1708=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1379 1709
1380When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1710When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1381absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1711absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1382 1712
1387 1717
1388The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1718The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1389take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1719take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1390called. 1720called.
1391 1721
1392=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1722=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1393 1723
1394The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1724The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1395switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1725switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1396the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1726the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1397 1727
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 1728=back
1404 1729
1405=head3 Examples 1730=head3 Examples
1406 1731
1407Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1732Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1408system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1733system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1409potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1734potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1410 1735
1411 static void 1736 static void
1412 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1737 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1413 { 1738 {
1414 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1739 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1415 } 1740 }
1416 1741
1417 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1742 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1418 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1743 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1419 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1744 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1420 1745
1421Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1746Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1422 1747
1423 #include <math.h> 1748 #include <math.h>
1424 1749
1425 static ev_tstamp 1750 static ev_tstamp
1426 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1751 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1427 { 1752 {
1428 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1753 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1429 } 1754 }
1430 1755
1431 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1756 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1432 1757
1433Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1758Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1434 1759
1435 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1760 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1436 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1761 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1437 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1762 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1438 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1763 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1439 1764
1440 1765
1441=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1766=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1442 1767
1443Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1768Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1444signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1769signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1445will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1770will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1446normal event processing, like any other event. 1771normal event processing, like any other event.
1447 1772
1773If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1774do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1775C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1776
1448You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1777You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1449first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1778first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1450with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1779with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1451as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1780you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1452watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1781the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1453SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1782signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1454 1783
1455If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1784If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1456C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1785C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1457interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1786interrupted. 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 1787signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1459them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1788them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1460 1789
1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1790=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1462 1791
1475 1804
1476=back 1805=back
1477 1806
1478=head3 Examples 1807=head3 Examples
1479 1808
1480Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1809Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1481 1810
1482 static void 1811 static void
1483 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1812 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1484 { 1813 {
1485 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1486 } 1815 }
1487 1816
1488 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1817 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1489 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1818 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1490 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1819 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1491 1820
1492 1821
1493=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1822=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1494 1823
1495Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1824Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1496some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1825some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1497is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1826exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1498forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1827has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1499loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1828as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1829forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1830but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1831not.
1500 1832
1501Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1833Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1502you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1834you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1503 1835
1504=head3 Process Interaction 1836=head3 Process Interaction
1505 1837
1506Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1838Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1507initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1839initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1508the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1840the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1509of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1841of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1510synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1842synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1511children, even ones not watched. 1843children, even ones not watched.
1512 1844
1513=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1845=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1517handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1849handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1518C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1850C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1519default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1851default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1520event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1852event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1521that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1853that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1854
1855=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1856
1857Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1858child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1859callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1860when a child exit is detected.
1522 1861
1523=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1862=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1524 1863
1525=over 4 1864=over 4
1526 1865
1555=head3 Examples 1894=head3 Examples
1556 1895
1557Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1896Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1558its completion. 1897its completion.
1559 1898
1560 ev_child cw; 1899 ev_child cw;
1561 1900
1562 static void 1901 static void
1563 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1902 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1564 { 1903 {
1565 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1904 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1566 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1905 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1567 } 1906 }
1568 1907
1569 pid_t pid = fork (); 1908 pid_t pid = fork ();
1570 1909
1571 if (pid < 0) 1910 if (pid < 0)
1572 // error 1911 // error
1573 else if (pid == 0) 1912 else if (pid == 0)
1574 { 1913 {
1575 // the forked child executes here 1914 // the forked child executes here
1576 exit (1); 1915 exit (1);
1577 } 1916 }
1578 else 1917 else
1579 { 1918 {
1580 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1919 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1581 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1920 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1582 } 1921 }
1583 1922
1584 1923
1585=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1924=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1586 1925
1587This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1926This 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 1927C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1589compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1928and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1929it did.
1590 1930
1591The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1931The 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 1932not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1593not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1933not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1594otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1934otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1595the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1935the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1596 1936
1597The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1937The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
1938C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1598relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1939your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1599 1940
1600Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1941Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1601calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1942portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1602can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1943to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1603a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1944interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1604unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1945recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1605five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1946(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1606impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1947change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1607usually overkill. 1948currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1608 1949
1609This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1950This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1610as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1951as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1611resource-intensive. 1952resource-intensive.
1612 1953
1613At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1954At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1614implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1955is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1615reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1956an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1616semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1957of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1617to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1618usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1619polling.
1620 1958
1621=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1959=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1622 1960
1623Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1961Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1624compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1962compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1625disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1963support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1626structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1964structure. 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 1965use 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 1966compile 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 1967obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1630most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1968most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1631 1969
1632=head3 Inotify 1970The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1971file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1972optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1973to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1974default compilation environment.
1633 1975
1976=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1977
1634When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1978When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1979only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1635available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1980implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1636change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1981change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1637when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1982lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1638 1983
1639Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1984Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1640except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1985except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1641making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1986making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1642there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1987there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1988but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1643 1989
1644(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1990There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1645implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1991implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1646descriptor open on the object at all times). 1992descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1993etc. is difficult.
1647 1994
1648=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1995=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1649 1996
1650The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1997The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1651even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1998and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1652only support whole seconds. 1999still only support whole seconds.
1653 2000
1654That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2001That 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 2002easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1656your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2003calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1657the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2004within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2005stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1658 2006
1659The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2007The 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> 2008than 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> 2009a 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 2010ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1663systems. 2011
2012The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2013of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2014might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2015C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2016a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2017update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2018the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2019the timer callback).
1664 2020
1665=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2021=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1666 2022
1667=over 4 2023=over 4
1668 2024
1674C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2030C<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 2031be 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 2032a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1677path for as long as the watcher is active. 2033path for as long as the watcher is active.
1678 2034
1679The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2035The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1680relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2036relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1681last change was detected). 2037last change was detected).
1682 2038
1683=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2039=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1684 2040
1685Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2041Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1686watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2042watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1687detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2043detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1688useful simply to find out the new values. 2044the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2045new values.
1689 2046
1690=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2047=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1691 2048
1692The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2049The 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 2050C<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 2051suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2052members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1695was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2053some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1696 2054
1697=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2055=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1698 2056
1699The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2057The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1700C<prev> != C<attr>. 2058C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2059differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2060C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1701 2061
1702=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2062=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1703 2063
1704The specified interval. 2064The specified interval.
1705 2065
1706=item const char *path [read-only] 2066=item const char *path [read-only]
1707 2067
1708The filesystem path that is being watched. 2068The file system path that is being watched.
1709 2069
1710=back 2070=back
1711 2071
1712=head3 Examples 2072=head3 Examples
1713 2073
1714Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2074Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1715 2075
1716 static void 2076 static void
1717 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2077 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1718 { 2078 {
1719 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2079 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1720 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2080 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1721 { 2081 {
1722 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2082 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1723 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2083 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1724 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2084 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1725 } 2085 }
1726 else 2086 else
1727 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2087 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1728 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2088 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1729 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2089 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1730 } 2090 }
1731 2091
1732 ... 2092 ...
1733 ev_stat passwd; 2093 ev_stat passwd;
1734 2094
1735 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2095 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1736 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2096 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1737 2097
1738Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2098Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1739miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2099miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1740one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2100one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1741C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2101C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1742 2102
1743 static ev_stat passwd; 2103 static ev_stat passwd;
1744 static ev_timer timer; 2104 static ev_timer timer;
1745 2105
1746 static void 2106 static void
1747 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2107 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1748 { 2108 {
1749 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2109 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1750 2110
1751 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2111 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1752 } 2112 }
1753 2113
1754 static void 2114 static void
1755 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2115 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1756 { 2116 {
1757 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2117 /* reset the one-second timer */
1758 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2118 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1759 } 2119 }
1760 2120
1761 ... 2121 ...
1762 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2122 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1763 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2123 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1764 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2124 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1765 2125
1766 2126
1767=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2127=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1768 2128
1769Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2129Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1770priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2130priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1771count). 2131as receiving "events").
1772 2132
1773That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2133That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1774(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2134(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1775triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2135triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1776are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2136are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1800=head3 Examples 2160=head3 Examples
1801 2161
1802Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2162Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1803callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2163callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1804 2164
1805 static void 2165 static void
1806 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2166 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1807 { 2167 {
1808 free (w); 2168 free (w);
1809 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2169 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1810 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2170 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1811 } 2171 }
1812 2172
1813 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2173 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1814 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2174 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1815 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2175 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1816 2176
1817 2177
1818=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2178=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1819 2179
1820Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2180Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1821prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2181prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1822afterwards. 2182afterwards.
1823 2183
1824You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2184You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1825the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2185the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1828those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2188those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1829C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2189C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1830called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2190called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1831 2191
1832Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2192Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1833their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2193their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1834variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2194variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1835coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2195coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1836you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2196you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1837in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2197in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1838watcher). 2198watcher).
1839 2199
1840This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2200This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1841to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2201need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1842them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2202for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1843provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2203libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1844any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2204you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1845and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2205of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1846callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2206I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1847because you never know, you know?). 2207nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1848 2208
1849As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2209As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1850coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2210coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1851during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2211during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1852are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2212are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1855loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2215loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1856low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2216low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1857 2217
1858It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2218It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1859priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2219priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2220after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2221
1860after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2222Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1861too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2223activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1862supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2224might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1863did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2225C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1864(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2226loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1865state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2227C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1866coexist peacefully with others). 2228others).
1867 2229
1868=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2230=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1869 2231
1870=over 4 2232=over 4
1871 2233
1873 2235
1874=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2236=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1875 2237
1876Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2238Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1877parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2239parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1878macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2240macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2241pointless.
1879 2242
1880=back 2243=back
1881 2244
1882=head3 Examples 2245=head3 Examples
1883 2246
1884There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2247There 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 2248into 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 2249(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> 2250use 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 2251Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1889into the Glib event loop). 2252Glib event loop).
1890 2253
1891Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2254Method 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 2255and 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 2256is 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 2257priority 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. 2258the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1896 2259
1897 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2260 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1898 static ev_timer tw; 2261 static ev_timer tw;
1899 2262
1900 static void 2263 static void
1901 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2264 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1902 { 2265 {
1903 } 2266 }
1904 2267
1905 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2268 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1906 static void 2269 static void
1907 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2270 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1908 { 2271 {
1909 int timeout = 3600000; 2272 int timeout = 3600000;
1910 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2273 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1911 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2274 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1912 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2275 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1913 2276
1914 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2277 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1915 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2278 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1916 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2279 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1917 2280
1918 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2281 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1919 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2282 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1920 { 2283 {
1921 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2284 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1922 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2285 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1923 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2286 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1924 2287
1925 fds [i].revents = 0; 2288 fds [i].revents = 0;
1926 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2289 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1927 } 2290 }
1928 } 2291 }
1929 2292
1930 // stop all watchers after blocking 2293 // stop all watchers after blocking
1931 static void 2294 static void
1932 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2295 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1933 { 2296 {
1934 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2297 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1935 2298
1936 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2299 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1937 { 2300 {
1938 // set the relevant poll flags 2301 // set the relevant poll flags
1939 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2302 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1940 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2303 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1941 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2304 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1942 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2305 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1943 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2306 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1944 2307
1945 // now stop the watcher 2308 // now stop the watcher
1946 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2309 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1947 } 2310 }
1948 2311
1949 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2312 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1950 } 2313 }
1951 2314
1952Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2315Method 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. 2316in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1954 2317
1955Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2318Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1956notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2319notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1957callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2320callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1958 2321
1959 static void 2322 static void
1960 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2323 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1961 { 2324 {
1962 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2325 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1963 update_now (EV_A); 2326 update_now (EV_A);
1964 2327
1965 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2328 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1966 } 2329 }
1967 2330
1968 static void 2331 static void
1969 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2332 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1970 { 2333 {
1971 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2334 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1972 update_now (EV_A); 2335 update_now (EV_A);
1973 2336
1974 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2337 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1975 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2338 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1976 } 2339 }
1977 2340
1978 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2341 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1979 2342
1980Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2343Method 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 2344want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1982their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2345override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1983loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2346main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1984this. 2347this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2348libglib event loop.
1985 2349
1986 static gint 2350 static gint
1987 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2351 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1988 { 2352 {
1989 int got_events = 0; 2353 int got_events = 0;
1990 2354
1991 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2355 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1992 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2356 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1993 2357
1994 if (timeout >= 0) 2358 if (timeout >= 0)
1995 // create/start timer 2359 // create/start timer
1996 2360
1997 // poll 2361 // poll
1998 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2362 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1999 2363
2000 // stop timer again 2364 // stop timer again
2001 if (timeout >= 0) 2365 if (timeout >= 0)
2002 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2366 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2003 2367
2004 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2368 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2005 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2369 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2006 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2370 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2007 2371
2008 return got_events; 2372 return got_events;
2009 } 2373 }
2010 2374
2011 2375
2012=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2376=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2013 2377
2014This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2378This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2020prioritise I/O. 2384prioritise I/O.
2021 2385
2022As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2386As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2023sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2387sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2024still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2388still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2025so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2389so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2026into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2390it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2027be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2391will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2028at least you can use both at what they are best. 2392C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2393best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2029 2394
2030As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2395As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2031to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2396some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2032priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2397and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2033you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2398this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2034a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2399the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2035 2400
2036As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2401As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2037there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2402there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2038call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2403call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2039their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2404their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2047interested in that. 2412interested in that.
2048 2413
2049Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2414Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2050when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2415when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2051but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2416but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2052yourself. 2417yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2418and future versions of libev might do just that.
2053 2419
2054Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2420Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2055C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2421C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2056portable one. 2422portable one.
2057 2423
2058So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2424So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2059that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2425that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2060this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2426this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2061create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2427create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2062 2428
2429=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2430
2431While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2432automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2433fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2434however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2435as applicable.
2436
2063=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2437=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2064 2438
2065=over 4 2439=over 4
2066 2440
2067=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2441=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2070 2444
2071Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2445Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2072embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2446embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2073invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2447invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2074to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2448to 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). 2449if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2076 2450
2077=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2451=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2078 2452
2079Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2453Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2080similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2454similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2081apropriate way for embedded loops. 2455appropriate way for embedded loops.
2082 2456
2083=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2457=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2084 2458
2085The embedded event loop. 2459The embedded event loop.
2086 2460
2088 2462
2089=head3 Examples 2463=head3 Examples
2090 2464
2091Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2465Example: 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 2466event 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 2467loop 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 2468C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2095used). 2469used).
2096 2470
2097 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2471 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2098 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2472 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2099 struct ev_embed embed; 2473 ev_embed embed;
2100 2474
2101 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2475 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2102 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2476 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2103 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2477 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2104 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2478 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2105 : 0; 2479 : 0;
2106 2480
2107 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2481 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2108 if (loop_lo) 2482 if (loop_lo)
2109 { 2483 {
2110 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2484 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2111 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2485 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2112 } 2486 }
2113 else 2487 else
2114 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2488 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2115 2489
2116Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2490Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2117a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2491a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2118kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2492kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2119C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2493C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2120 2494
2121 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2495 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2122 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2496 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2123 struct ev_embed embed; 2497 ev_embed embed;
2124 2498
2125 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2499 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2126 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2500 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2127 { 2501 {
2128 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2502 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2129 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2503 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2130 } 2504 }
2131 2505
2132 if (!loop_socket) 2506 if (!loop_socket)
2133 loop_socket = loop; 2507 loop_socket = loop;
2134 2508
2135 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2509 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2136 2510
2137 2511
2138=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2512=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2139 2513
2140Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2514Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2184is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2558is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2185multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2559multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2186need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2560need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2187 2561
2188That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2562That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2189queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2563queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2190queue: 2564queue:
2191 2565
2192=over 4 2566=over 4
2193 2567
2194=item queueing from a signal handler context 2568=item queueing from a signal handler context
2195 2569
2196To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2570To 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 2571handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2198some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2572an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2199 2573
2200 static ev_async mysig; 2574 static ev_async mysig;
2201 2575
2202 static void 2576 static void
2203 sigusr1_handler (void) 2577 sigusr1_handler (void)
2269=over 4 2643=over 4
2270 2644
2271=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2645=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2272 2646
2273Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2647Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2274kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2648kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2275believe me. 2649trust me.
2276 2650
2277=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2651=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2278 2652
2279Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2653Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2280an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2654an 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 2655C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2282similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2656similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2283section below on what exactly this means). 2657section below on what exactly this means).
2284 2658
2285This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2659This 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 2660so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2287calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2661calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2288 2662
2289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2663=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2290 2664
2291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2665Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2293event loop. 2667event loop.
2294 2668
2295C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2669C<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, 2670the 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 2671it 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. 2672quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2299 2673
2300Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2674Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2301wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2675whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2302 2676
2303=back 2677=back
2304 2678
2305 2679
2306=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2680=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2310=over 4 2684=over 4
2311 2685
2312=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2686=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2313 2687
2314This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2688This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2315callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2689callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2316watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2690watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2317or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2691or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2318more watchers yourself. 2692more watchers yourself.
2319 2693
2320If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2694If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2321is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2695C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2322C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2696the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2323 2697
2324If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2698If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2325started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2699started. 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 2700repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2327dubious value.
2328 2701
2329The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2702The 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 2703passed 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> 2704C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2332value passed to C<ev_once>: 2705value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2706a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2707events precedence.
2333 2708
2709Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2710
2334 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2711 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2335 { 2712 {
2336 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2337 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2338 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2713 if (revents & EV_READ)
2339 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2714 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2715 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2716 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2340 } 2717 }
2341 2718
2342 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2719 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2343 2720
2344=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2721=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2345 2722
2346Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2723Feeds 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 2724had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2348initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2725initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2349 2726
2350=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2727=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2351 2728
2352Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2729Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2353the given events it. 2730the given events it.
2354 2731
2355=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2732=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2356 2733
2357Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2734Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2358loop!). 2735loop!).
2359 2736
2360=back 2737=back
2361 2738
2362 2739
2391=back 2768=back
2392 2769
2393=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2770=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2394 2771
2395Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2772Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2396you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2773you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2397the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2774the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2398 2775
2399To use it, 2776To use it,
2400 2777
2401 #include <ev++.h> 2778 #include <ev++.h>
2402 2779
2403This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2780This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2404of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2781of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2405put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2782put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2406options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2783options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2473your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2850your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2474thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2851thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2475 2852
2476Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2853Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2477 2854
2478 struct myclass 2855 struct myclass
2479 { 2856 {
2480 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2857 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2481 } 2858 }
2482 2859
2483 myclass obj; 2860 myclass obj;
2484 ev::io iow; 2861 ev::io iow;
2485 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2862 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2486 2863
2487=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2864=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2488 2865
2489Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2866Also 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 2867callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2492 2869
2493The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2870The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2494 2871
2495See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2872See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2496 2873
2497Example: 2874Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2498 2875
2499 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2876 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2500 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2877 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2501 2878
2502=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2879=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2503 2880
2504Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2881Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2505do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2882do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2506 2883
2507=item w->set ([args]) 2884=item w->set ([arguments])
2508 2885
2509Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2886Basically 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 2887called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2511automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2888automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2512method. 2889method.
2513 2890
2514=item w->start () 2891=item w->start ()
2538=back 2915=back
2539 2916
2540Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2917Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2541the constructor. 2918the constructor.
2542 2919
2543 class myclass 2920 class myclass
2544 { 2921 {
2545 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2922 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2546 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2923 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2547 2924
2548 myclass (int fd) 2925 myclass (int fd)
2549 { 2926 {
2550 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2927 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2551 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2928 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2552 2929
2553 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2930 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2554 } 2931 }
2555 }; 2932 };
2556 2933
2557 2934
2558=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2935=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2559 2936
2560Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2937Libev 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 2938number 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 2939any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2563me a note. 2940me a note.
2564 2941
2565=over 4 2942=over 4
2566 2943
2567=item Perl 2944=item Perl
2568 2945
2569The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2946The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2570libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2947libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2571there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2948there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2572to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2949to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2573C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2950C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2951and C<EV::Glib>).
2574 2952
2575It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2953It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2576L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2954L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2577 2955
2956=item Python
2957
2958Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2959seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2960patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2961for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2962libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2963libev).
2964
2578=item Ruby 2965=item Ruby
2579 2966
2580Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2967Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2581of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2968of 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 2969more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2583L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2970L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2584 2971
2585=item D 2972=item D
2586 2973
2587Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2974Leandro 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>. 2975be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2976
2977=item Ocaml
2978
2979Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2980L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2589 2981
2590=back 2982=back
2591 2983
2592 2984
2593=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2985=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2594 2986
2595Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2987Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2596of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2988of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2597functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2989functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2598 2990
2599To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2991To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2600following macros are defined: 2992following macros are defined:
2605 2997
2606This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2998This 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, 2999loop 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: 3000C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2609 3001
2610 ev_unref (EV_A); 3002 ev_unref (EV_A);
2611 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3003 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2612 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3004 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2613 3005
2614It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3006It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2615which is often provided by the following macro. 3007which is often provided by the following macro.
2616 3008
2617=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3009=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2618 3010
2619This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3011This 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, 3012loop 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: 3013C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2622 3014
2623 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3015 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2624 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3016 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2625 3017
2626 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3018 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2627 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3019 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2628 3020
2629It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3021It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2630suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3022suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2631 3023
2632=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3024=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2648 3040
2649Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3041Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2650macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3042macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2651or not. 3043or not.
2652 3044
2653 static void 3045 static void
2654 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3046 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2655 { 3047 {
2656 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3048 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2657 } 3049 }
2658 3050
2659 ev_check check; 3051 ev_check check;
2660 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3052 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2661 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3053 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2662 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3054 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2663 3055
2664=head1 EMBEDDING 3056=head1 EMBEDDING
2665 3057
2666Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3058Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2667applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3059applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2674libev somewhere in your source tree). 3066libev somewhere in your source tree).
2675 3067
2676=head2 FILESETS 3068=head2 FILESETS
2677 3069
2678Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3070Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2679in your app. 3071in your application.
2680 3072
2681=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3073=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2682 3074
2683To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3075To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2684configuration (no autoconf): 3076configuration (no autoconf):
2685 3077
2686 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3078 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2687 #include "ev.c" 3079 #include "ev.c"
2688 3080
2689This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3081This 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 3082single 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 3083it, 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 3084done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2693where you can put other configuration options): 3085where you can put other configuration options):
2694 3086
2695 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3087 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2696 #include "ev.h" 3088 #include "ev.h"
2697 3089
2698Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3090Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2699compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3091compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2700as a bug). 3092as a bug).
2701 3093
2702You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3094You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2703in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3095in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2704 3096
2705 ev.h 3097 ev.h
2706 ev.c 3098 ev.c
2707 ev_vars.h 3099 ev_vars.h
2708 ev_wrap.h 3100 ev_wrap.h
2709 3101
2710 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3102 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2711 3103
2712 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3104 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) 3105 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) 3106 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) 3107 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) 3108 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2717 3109
2718F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3110F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2719to compile this single file. 3111to compile this single file.
2720 3112
2721=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3113=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2722 3114
2723To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3115To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2724 3116
2725 #include "event.c" 3117 #include "event.c"
2726 3118
2727in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3119in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2728 3120
2729 #include "event.h" 3121 #include "event.h"
2730 3122
2731in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3123in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2732 3124
2733You need the following additional files for this: 3125You need the following additional files for this:
2734 3126
2735 event.h 3127 event.h
2736 event.c 3128 event.c
2737 3129
2738=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3130=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2739 3131
2740Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3132Instead 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 3133whatever 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 3134F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2743include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3135include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2744 3136
2745For this of course you need the m4 file: 3137For this of course you need the m4 file:
2746 3138
2747 libev.m4 3139 libev.m4
2748 3140
2749=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3141=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2750 3142
2751Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3143Libev 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 3144define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2753autoconf is noted for every option. 3145autoconf is documented for every option.
2754 3146
2755=over 4 3147=over 4
2756 3148
2757=item EV_STANDALONE 3149=item EV_STANDALONE
2758 3150
2763F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3155F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2764 3156
2765=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3157=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2766 3158
2767If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3159If 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 3160monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2769of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3161of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2770usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3162usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2771the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3163the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2772to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3164to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2773function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3165function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2774 3166
2775=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3167=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2776 3168
2777If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3169If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2778realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3170real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2779runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3171runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2780be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3172be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2781(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3173(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2782note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3174note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2783 3175
2784=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3176=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
27952.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 31872.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2796 3188
2797=item EV_USE_SELECT 3189=item EV_USE_SELECT
2798 3190
2799If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3191If 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 3192C<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 3193other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2802will not be compiled in. 3194will not be compiled in.
2803 3195
2804=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3196=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2805 3197
2806If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3198If 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 3199structure. 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 3200C<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 3201exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2810low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3202low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2811allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3203allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2812influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3204influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2813 3205
2862otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3254otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2863backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3255backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2864 3256
2865=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3257=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2866 3258
2867reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3259Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2868 3260
2869=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3261=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2870 3262
2871If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3263If 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 3264interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2879access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3271access 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 3272type 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" 3273that 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. 3274as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2883 3275
2884In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3276In 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. 3277(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2886 3278
2887=item EV_H 3279=item EV_H
2888 3280
2889The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3281The 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 3320When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2929all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3321all 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 3322and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2931fine. 3323fine.
2932 3324
2933If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3325If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2934C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3326both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2935 3327
2936=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3328=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2937 3329
2938If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3330If 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 3331defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2946code. 3338code.
2947 3339
2948=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3340=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2949 3341
2950If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2951defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3344watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2952 3345
2953=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3346=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2954 3347
2955If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3348If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2956defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3349defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2966defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3359defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2967 3360
2968=item EV_MINIMAL 3361=item EV_MINIMAL
2969 3362
2970If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3363If 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 3364speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2972some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3365inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3366much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2973 3367
2974=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3368=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2975 3369
2976C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3370C<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 3371pid. 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>), 3378inotify 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> 3379usually 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 3380watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2987two). 3381two).
2988 3382
3383=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3384
3385Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3386timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3387to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3388faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3389
3390The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3391(disabled).
3392
3393=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3394
3395Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3396timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3397the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3398which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3399but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3400noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3401
3402The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3403(disabled).
3404
3405=item EV_VERIFY
3406
3407Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3408be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3409in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3410called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3411called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3412verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3413libev considerably.
3414
3415The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3416C<0>.
3417
2989=item EV_COMMON 3418=item EV_COMMON
2990 3419
2991By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3420By 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 3421this 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, 3422members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2994though, and it must be identical each time. 3423though, and it must be identical each time.
2995 3424
2996For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3425For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2997 3426
2998 #define EV_COMMON \ 3427 #define EV_COMMON \
2999 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3428 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3000 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3429 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3001 3430
3002=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3431=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3003 3432
3004=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3433=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3005 3434
3010definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3439definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3011their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3440their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3012avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3441avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3013method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3442method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3014 3443
3444=back
3445
3015=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3446=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3016 3447
3017If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3448If 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 3449exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3019all public symbols, one per line: 3450all public symbols, one per line:
3020 3451
3021 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3452 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3022 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3453 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3023 3454
3024This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3455This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3025multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3456multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3026itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3457itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3027 3458
3028A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3459A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3029include before including F<ev.h>: 3460include before including F<ev.h>:
3030 3461
3031 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3462 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3048file. 3479file.
3049 3480
3050The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3481The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3051that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3482that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3052 3483
3053 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3484 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3054 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3485 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3055 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3486 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3056 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3487 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3057 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3488 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3058 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3489 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3059 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3490 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3060 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3491 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3061 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3492 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3062 3493
3063 #include "ev++.h" 3494 #include "ev++.h"
3064 3495
3065And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3496And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3066 3497
3067 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3498 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3068 #include "ev.c" 3499 #include "ev.c"
3069 3500
3501=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3070 3502
3071=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3503=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3072 3504
3073=head2 THREADS 3505=head3 THREADS
3074 3506
3075Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3507All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3508documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3076means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3509that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3077only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3510are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3078parameter. 3511parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3512of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3513structures that need any locking.
3079 3514
3080Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3515Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3081parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3516concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3082done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3517must 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 3518only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3084per loop). 3519a mutex per loop).
3085 3520
3086If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot 3521Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3522so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3523concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3524outside".
3525
3526If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3527without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3087help you but by giving some generic advice: 3528help you, but here is some generic advice:
3088 3529
3089=over 4 3530=over 4
3090 3531
3091=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3532=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. 3533in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3093 3534
3094This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3535This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3095themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3536themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3096 3537
3097=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3538=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3098 3539
3099Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3540Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3100exists, but it is always a good start. 3541exists, but it is always a good start.
3101 3542
3102=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3543=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. 3544loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3104 3545
3105Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3546Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3106better than you currently do :-) 3547better than you currently do :-)
3107 3548
3108=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3549=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3550event loop.
3551
3109event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3552C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3110threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3553(or from signal contexts...).
3554
3555An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3556work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3557default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3558watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3111 3559
3112=back 3560=back
3113 3561
3114=head2 COROUTINES 3562=head3 COROUTINES
3115 3563
3116Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3564Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3117libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3565libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3118coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3566coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3119different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3567different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3120loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3568loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3121you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3569you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3122 3570
3123Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 3571Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3124state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 3572C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3125switches. 3573they do not call any callbacks.
3126 3574
3575=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3127 3576
3128=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3577Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3578lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3579scared by this.
3129 3580
3130In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3581However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3131libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3582has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3132documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3583warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3584targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3133 3585
3134All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3586Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3135extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3587workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3136happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3588maintainable.
3137mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3138it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3139 3589
3140=over 4 3590And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3591wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3592seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3593warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3594been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3595such buggy versions.
3141 3596
3142=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3597While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3598"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3599with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3600them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3601warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3143 3602
3144This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3145there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3146have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3147 3603
3148=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3604=head2 VALGRIND
3149 3605
3150That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3606Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3151as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3607highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3152 3608
3153=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3609If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3610in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3154 3611
3155These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3612 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3613 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3614 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3156 3615
3157=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3616Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3617is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3158 3618
3159=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3619Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3620as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3621although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3622confused.
3160 3623
3161These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3624Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3162correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3625make it into some kind of religion.
3163have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3164 3626
3165=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3627If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3628with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3629is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3630annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3631of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3166 3632
3167By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3633If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3168beginning of the storage array. 3634I suggest using suppression lists.
3169 3635
3170=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3171 3636
3172A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3637=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3173libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3174on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3175 3638
3176=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3639=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3177
3178=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3179
3180Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3181priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3182linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3183watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3184
3185=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3186
3187=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3188
3189=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3190
3191Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3192calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3193involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3194
3195=back
3196
3197
3198=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3199 3640
3200Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3641Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3201requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3642requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3202model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3643model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3203the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3644the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3204descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3645descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3205e.g. cygwin. 3646e.g. cygwin.
3206 3647
3648Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3649re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3650things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3651way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3652
3207There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3653There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3208embedding it into other applications. 3654embedding it into other applications.
3209 3655
3656Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3657accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3658either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3659so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3660megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3661available).
3662
3210Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3663Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3211abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3664the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3212recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3665is 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 3666more 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 3667different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3215be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3668notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3669(Microsoft monopoly games).
3670
3671A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3672section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3673of F<ev.h>:
3674
3675 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3676 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3677
3678 #include "ev.h"
3679
3680And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3681you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3682
3683 #include "evwrap.h"
3684 #include "ev.c"
3216 3685
3217=over 4 3686=over 4
3218 3687
3219=item The winsocket select function 3688=item The winsocket select function
3220 3689
3221The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3690The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3222socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3691requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3223very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3692also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3224to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3693requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3225C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3694C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3226symbols for more info. 3695discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3696C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3227 3697
3228The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3698The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3229libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3699libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3230 3700
3231 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3701 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3232 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3702 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3233 3703
3234Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3704Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3235complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3705complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3236 3706
3237=item Limited number of file descriptors 3707=item Limited number of file descriptors
3238 3708
3239Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3709Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3240of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3710
3711Early 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 3712of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3242C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3713can 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). 3714recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3715previous thread in each. Great).
3244 3716
3245Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3717Newer 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 3718to 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 3719call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3248select emulation on windows). 3720select emulation on windows).
3249 3721
3250Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3722Another 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 3723libraries, 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 3724or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3253C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3725C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3254arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3726arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3255libraries. 3727libraries.
3256 3728
3257This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3729This 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 3730windows 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 3731wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3260calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3732calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3261 3733
3262=back 3734=back
3263 3735
3264
3265=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3736=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3266 3737
3267In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3738In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3268additional extensions: 3739backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3269 3740
3270=over 4 3741=over 4
3271 3742
3743=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3744calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3745
3746Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3747structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3748assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3749callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3750calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3751
3272=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3752=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3273 3753
3274The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3754The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3275C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3755C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3276threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3756threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3277believed to be sufficiently portable. 3757believed to be sufficiently portable.
3278 3758
3279=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3759=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3280 3760
3287 3767
3288The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 3768The 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 3769except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3290well. 3770well.
3291 3771
3772=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3773
3774To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3775instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3776systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3777least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3778watchers.
3779
3780=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3781
3782The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3783have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3784enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3785implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3786
3292=back 3787=back
3293 3788
3294If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3789If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3295 3790
3296 3791
3792=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3793
3794In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3795libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3796the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3797
3798All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3799extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3800happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3801mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3802average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3803
3804=over 4
3805
3806=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3807
3808This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3809there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3810have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3811
3812=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3813
3814That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3815as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3816
3817=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3818
3819These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3820
3821=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3822
3823=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3824
3825These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3826correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3827have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3828is rare).
3829
3830=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3831
3832By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3833fixed position in the storage array.
3834
3835=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3836
3837A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3838libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3839on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3840
3841=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3842
3843=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3844
3845Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3846priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3847linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3848watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3849
3850=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3851
3852=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3853
3854=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3855
3856Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3857calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3858involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3859
3860=back
3861
3862
3297=head1 AUTHOR 3863=head1 AUTHOR
3298 3864
3299Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3865Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3300 3866

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines