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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h>
13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 }
32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 {
37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 }
41
42 int
43 main (void)
44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57
58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0;
63 }
64
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 66
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
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
70
11Libev 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
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 74
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 82watcher.
23 83
24=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
25 85
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
95(C<ev_fork>).
96
97It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 99for example).
33 100
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 102
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
42will not have this argument. 109this argument.
43 110
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 112
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the 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
49called 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
50to 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
51it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
53 121
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 123
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 125library in any way.
62 130
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 131Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 132C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 133you actually want to know.
66 134
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140
67=item int ev_version_major () 141=item int ev_version_major ()
68 142
69=item int ev_version_minor () 143=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 144
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 145You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 146you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 147C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 148symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 149version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 150
151These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
152release version.
153
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 154Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 155as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 156compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 157not a problem.
81 158
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 160version.
84 161
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 162 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 165
118 195
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 197
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 199
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 201semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 202used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 203when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 204or take some potentially destructive action.
205
206Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
207correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
208C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
128 209
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 210You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 211free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 212or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 213
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 214Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 215retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
135 216
136 static void * 217 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 218 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 219 {
139 for (;;) 220 for (;;)
140 { 221 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 222 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 223
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 239callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 240matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 241requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 242(such as abort).
162 243
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 244Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 245
165 static void 246 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 247 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 248 {
168 perror (msg); 249 perror (msg);
178 259
179An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 260An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
180types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 261types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
181events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 262events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
182 263
183If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
184in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
185create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
186whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
187threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
188done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
189
190=over 4 264=over 4
191 265
192=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 266=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
193 267
194This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 268This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
196false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 270false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
197flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 271flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
198 272
199If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 273If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
200function. 274function.
275
276Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
277from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
278as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
279
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>.
201 286
202The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
203backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 288backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
204 289
205The following flags are supported: 290The following flags are supported:
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 305useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 306around bugs.
222 307
308=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
309
310Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
311a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
312enabling this flag.
313
314This 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
316iterations 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
318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320
321The 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
323flag.
324
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable.
327
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 329
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 331libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 332but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
228using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 333using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 334usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335
336To 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
338writing 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
340a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readyness notifications you get per iteration.
230 342
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 344
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 347limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 348considerably 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
350performance tips.
237 351
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 353
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup.
244 361
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 366very well if you register events for both fds.
250 367
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 369need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 370(or space) is available.
254 371
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
375
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far.
378
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 380
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
387system like NetBSD.
388
389You 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
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 392
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 396cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 397two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401
402While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
403everywhere, 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
405(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
407sockets.
269 408
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 410
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 411This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
412implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
413and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
414immensely.
273 415
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 417
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 419it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 420
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 422notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 423blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better.
429
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
282 433
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 435
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
286with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 437with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 438C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
288 439
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441
289=back 442=back
290 443
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
293specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
294order of their flag values :)
295 447
296The most typical usage is like this: 448The most typical usage is like this:
297 449
298 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 450 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
299 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 468handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 469undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 470
471Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
472libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
474
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 476
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 478 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 480
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 484etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 485sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 488the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 489for example).
490
491Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
492this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
493would need to be stopped manually.
494
495In 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
497pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
498C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 499
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 500=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 501
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 502Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 503earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
339 504
340=item ev_default_fork () 505=item ev_default_fork ()
341 506
507This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
342This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 508to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
343one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 509name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
344after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 510the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
345again makes little sense). 511sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
512functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
346 513
347You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 514On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
348only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 515process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
349fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 516you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
350 517
351The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 518The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
352it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 519it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
353quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 520quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
354 521
355 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 522 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
356 523
357At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
358without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
359do not need to care.
360
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 524=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 525
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 526Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 527C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 528after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
529
530=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
531
532Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
533
534=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
535
536Returns 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
538happily wraps around with enough iterations.
539
540This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
541"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
542C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 543
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 544=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 545
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 546Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 547use.
373 550
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 551Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 552received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 553change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 554time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 555event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 556
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 557=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 558
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 559Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 560after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 581libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 582usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 583
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 584Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 585
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 586 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 587 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
588 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
589 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 590 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 591 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 592 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 593 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
594 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
595 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
596 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 597 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
416 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 598 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
417 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 599 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
418 - Queue all outstanding timers. 600 - Queue all outstanding timers.
419 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 601 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
420 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 602 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
421 - Queue all check watchers. 603 - Queue all check watchers.
422 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 604 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 605 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 606 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 607 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 608 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
609 continue with step *.
427 610
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 611Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
429anymore. 612anymore.
430 613
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 614 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 615 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 616 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
437 620
438Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 621Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
439has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 622has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
440C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 623C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
441C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 624C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
625
626This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
442 627
443=item ev_ref (loop) 628=item ev_ref (loop)
444 629
445=item ev_unref (loop) 630=item ev_unref (loop)
446 631
451returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 636returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
452example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 637example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 638visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 639no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 640way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 641libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
642(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
643respectively).
457 644
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 646running when nothing else is active.
460 647
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 648 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 649 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 650 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 651 evf_unref (loop);
465 652
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 654
468 ev_ref (myloop); 655 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 656 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
657
658=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
659
660=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
661
662These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
663for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
664invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
665
666Setting 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
668increase efficiency of loop iterations.
669
670The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
671handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
672the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
673events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
674overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
675
676By 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,
678at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
679C<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.
681
682Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
683to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
684latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
685will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
686any overhead in libev.
687
688Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
689interval 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
691usually 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.
470 693
471=back 694=back
472 695
473 696
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 697=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 788received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
566many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 789many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
567(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 790(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 791C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 792
793=item C<EV_EMBED>
794
795The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
796
797=item C<EV_FORK>
798
799The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
800C<ev_fork>).
801
802=item C<EV_ASYNC>
803
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
805
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 806=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 807
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
574ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 810ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
645=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 881=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
646 882
647Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 883Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
648events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 884events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
649is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 885is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
650C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 886C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 887make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
888it).
652 889
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 890=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 891
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 892Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 893
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 894=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 895
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 896Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(modulo threads). 897(modulo threads).
898
899=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
900
901=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
902
903Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
904integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
905(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
906before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
907from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
908
909This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
910invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
911example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
912watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
913
914If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
915you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
916
917You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
918pending.
919
920The 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 :).
922
923Setting 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
925or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
926
927=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
928
929Invoke 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
931can deal with that fact.
932
933=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
934
935If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
936and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
937watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
661 938
662=back 939=back
663 940
664 941
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 942=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 963 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 964 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 965 ...
689 } 966 }
690 967
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 968More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 969instead have been omitted.
970
971Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
972watchers:
973
974 struct my_biggy
975 {
976 int some_data;
977 ev_timer t1;
978 ev_timer t2;
979 }
980
981In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
982you need to use C<offsetof>:
983
984 #include <stddef.h>
985
986 static void
987 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
988 {
989 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
990 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
991 }
992
993 static void
994 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
995 {
996 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
997 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
998 }
693 999
694 1000
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1001=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 1002
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1003This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
721In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1027In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
722fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1028fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
723descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1029descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
724required if you know what you are doing). 1030required if you know what you are doing).
725 1031
726You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
727(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
728descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
729to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
730the same underlying "file open").
731
732If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1032If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
733(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1033(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
734C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1034C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
735 1035
736Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1036Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
742it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1042it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
743C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1043C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
744 1044
745If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1045If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
746play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1046play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
747wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1047whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
748such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1048such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
749its own, so its quite safe to use). 1049its own, so its quite safe to use).
1050
1051=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1052
1053Some 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,
1055such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1056descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1057this 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
1059fact, a different file descriptor.
1060
1061To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1062the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1063will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1064it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1065you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1066descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1067
1068This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1069the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1070optimisations to libev.
1071
1072=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1073
1074Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1075but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1076have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1077events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1078
1079There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1080for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1081C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1082
1083=head3 The special problem of fork
1084
1085Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1086useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1087it in the child.
1088
1089To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1090C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1091enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1092C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1093
1094=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1095
1096While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1097when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1098gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1099programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1100undesirable.
1101
1102So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1103ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1104somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1105
1106
1107=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
750 1108
751=over 4 1109=over 4
752 1110
753=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1111=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
754 1112
766 1124
767The events being watched. 1125The events being watched.
768 1126
769=back 1127=back
770 1128
1129=head3 Examples
1130
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 1134
775 static void 1135 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1136 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 1137 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1138 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808 1168
809The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1169The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
810but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1170but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
811order of execution is undefined. 1171order of execution is undefined.
812 1172
1173=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174
813=over 4 1175=over 4
814 1176
815=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1177=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
816 1178
817=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1179=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
825configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1187configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
826exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1188exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
827the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1189the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
828timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1190timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
829 1191
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1192=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
831 1193
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1194This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 1195repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 1196
1197If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1198
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1199If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 1200
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1201If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1202C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 1203
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1204This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1205example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
842idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1206timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
843say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1207seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
844this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1208configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
845C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1209C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
846you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1210you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
847socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1211socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 1212automatically restart it if need be.
849 1213
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1214That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1215altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 1216
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1217 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1218 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1219 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1220 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1221 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1222 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1223 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1224 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1225
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1226This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1227you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1228
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1229=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1230
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1231The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
868or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1232or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1233which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1234
871=back 1235=back
872 1236
1237=head3 Examples
1238
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1239Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1240
875 static void 1241 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1242 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 1243 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1244 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1246
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1247 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1248 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1249 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1250
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1251Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1252inactivity.
887 1253
888 static void 1254 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1255 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1256 {
910but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1276but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
911to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1277to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
912periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1278periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
913+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1279+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
914take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1280take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
915roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1281roughly 10 seconds later).
916again).
917 1282
918They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1283They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
919triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1284triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1285rules.
920 1286
921As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1287As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
922time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1288time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
923during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1289during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
924 1290
1291=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1292
925=over 4 1293=over 4
926 1294
927=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1295=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
928 1296
929=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1297=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
931Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1299Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
932operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1300operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
933 1301
934=over 4 1302=over 4
935 1303
936=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1304=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
937 1305
938In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1306In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
939C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1307C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
940that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1308that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
941system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1309system time reaches or surpasses this time.
942 1310
943=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1311=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
944 1312
945In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1313In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
946C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1314C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
947of any time jumps. 1315and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
948 1316
949This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1317This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
950time: 1318time:
951 1319
952 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1320 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
958 1326
959Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1327Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
960C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1328C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
961time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1329time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
962 1330
1331For 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
1333this value.
1334
963=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1335=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
964 1336
965In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1337In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
966ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1338ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
967reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1339reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
968current time as second argument. 1340current time as second argument.
969 1341
970NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1342NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
971ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1343ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
972return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1344return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
973starting a prepare watcher). 1345starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
974 1346
975Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1347Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
976ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1348ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
977 1349
978 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1350 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1001Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1373Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1002when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1374when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1003a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1375a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1004program when the crontabs have changed). 1376program when the crontabs have changed).
1005 1377
1378=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1379
1380When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1381absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1382
1383Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1384timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1385
1006=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1386=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1007 1387
1008The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1388The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1009take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1389take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1010called. 1390called.
1013 1393
1014The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1394The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1395switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1396the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1397
1398=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1399
1400When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1401trigger next.
1402
1018=back 1403=back
1019 1404
1405=head3 Examples
1406
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1407Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1408system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1409potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1410
1024 static void 1411 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1412 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1416
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1417 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1418 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1419 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1420
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1421Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1422
1036 #include <math.h> 1423 #include <math.h>
1037 1424
1038 static ev_tstamp 1425 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1426 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1428 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1429 }
1043 1430
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1431 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1432
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1433Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1434
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1435 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1436 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1437 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1438 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1063with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1450with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1064as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1451as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1065watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1452watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1066SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1453SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1067 1454
1455If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1456C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly
1457interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by
1458signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1459them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1460
1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1462
1068=over 4 1463=over 4
1069 1464
1070=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1465=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1071 1466
1072=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1467=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1078 1473
1079The signal the watcher watches out for. 1474The signal the watcher watches out for.
1080 1475
1081=back 1476=back
1082 1477
1478=head3 Examples
1479
1480Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1481
1482 static void
1483 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1484 {
1485 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1486 }
1487
1488 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1489 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1490 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1491
1083 1492
1084=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1493=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1085 1494
1086Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1495Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1087some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1496some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1497is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1498forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1499loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1500
1501Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1502you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop.
1503
1504=head3 Process Interaction
1505
1506Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1507initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1508the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance
1509of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1510synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1511children, even ones not watched.
1512
1513=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1514
1515Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1516processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1517handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1518C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1519default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1520event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1521that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1522
1523=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1088 1524
1089=over 4 1525=over 4
1090 1526
1091=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1527=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1092 1528
1093=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1529=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1094 1530
1095Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1531Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1096I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1532I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1097at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1533at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1098the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1534the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1099C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1535C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1100process causing the status change. 1536process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1537activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1538activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1101 1539
1102=item int pid [read-only] 1540=item int pid [read-only]
1103 1541
1104The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1542The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1105 1543
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1550The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1551C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1552
1115=back 1553=back
1116 1554
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1555=head3 Examples
1556
1557Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1558its completion.
1559
1560 ev_child cw;
1118 1561
1119 static void 1562 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1563 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1121 { 1564 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1565 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1566 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1123 } 1567 }
1124 1568
1125 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1569 pid_t pid = fork ();
1126 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1570
1127 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1571 if (pid < 0)
1572 // error
1573 else if (pid == 0)
1574 {
1575 // the forked child executes here
1576 exit (1);
1577 }
1578 else
1579 {
1580 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1581 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1582 }
1128 1583
1129 1584
1130=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1585=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1131 1586
1132This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1587This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1592not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1138not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1593not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1139otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1594otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1595the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1596
1597The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1598relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1599
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1600Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1143calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1601calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1144can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1602can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1603a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1604unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1605five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1606impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1608
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1609This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1610as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1611resource-intensive.
1154 1612
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1613At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1614implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1615reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1616semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
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
1621=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1622
1623Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1624compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally
1625disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1626structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1627use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1628compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1629obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1630most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support.
1631
1632=head3 Inotify
1633
1634When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1635available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1636change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1637when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1638
1639Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1640except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1641making 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.
1643
1644(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1645implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1646descriptor open on the object at all times).
1647
1648=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1649
1650The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1651even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1652only support whole seconds.
1653
1654That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1655miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1656your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1657the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1658
1659The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1660the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1661(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1662is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1663systems.
1664
1665=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1157 1666
1158=over 4 1667=over 4
1159 1668
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1669=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1670
1169 1678
1170The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1679The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1171relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1680relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1172last change was detected). 1681last change was detected).
1173 1682
1174=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1683=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1175 1684
1176Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1685Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1177watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1686watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1178detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1687detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1179useful simply to find out the new values. 1688useful simply to find out the new values.
1197=item const char *path [read-only] 1706=item const char *path [read-only]
1198 1707
1199The filesystem path that is being watched. 1708The filesystem path that is being watched.
1200 1709
1201=back 1710=back
1711
1712=head3 Examples
1202 1713
1203Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1714Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1204 1715
1205 static void 1716 static void
1206 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1717 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1219 } 1730 }
1220 1731
1221 ... 1732 ...
1222 ev_stat passwd; 1733 ev_stat passwd;
1223 1734
1224 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1735 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1736 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1737
1738Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1739miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1740one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1741C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1742
1743 static ev_stat passwd;
1744 static ev_timer timer;
1745
1746 static void
1747 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1748 {
1749 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1750
1751 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1752 }
1753
1754 static void
1755 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1756 {
1757 /* reset the one-second timer */
1758 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1759 }
1760
1761 ...
1762 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1763 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1764 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1765
1227 1766
1228=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1767=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1229 1768
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1769Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1231(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1770priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1771count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1772
1234watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1773That 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
1775triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1776are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1777iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1778and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1779
1238The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1780The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1781active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1782
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1783Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1242effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1784effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1243"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1785"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1244event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1786event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1245 1787
1788=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1789
1246=over 4 1790=over 4
1247 1791
1248=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1792=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1249 1793
1250Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1794Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1251kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1795kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1796believe me.
1253 1797
1254=back 1798=back
1255 1799
1800=head3 Examples
1801
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1802Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1803callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1804
1259 static void 1805 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1806 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1807 {
1262 free (w); 1808 free (w);
1263 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1809 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1264 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1810 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1265 } 1811 }
1266 1812
1267 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1813 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1268 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1814 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1269 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1815 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1307with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1853with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1308of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1854of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1309loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1855loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1310low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1856low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1311 1857
1858It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1859priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1860after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1861too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1862supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1863did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1864(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1865state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1866coexist peacefully with others).
1867
1868=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1869
1312=over 4 1870=over 4
1313 1871
1314=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1872=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1315 1873
1316=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1874=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1319parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1877parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1320macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1878macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1321 1879
1322=back 1880=back
1323 1881
1324Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1882=head3 Examples
1325and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1883
1884There 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
1886(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>
1888embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1889into the Glib event loop).
1890
1891Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1326in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1892and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1327pseudo-code only of course: 1893is 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
1895the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1328 1896
1329 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1897 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1330 static ev_timer tw; 1898 static ev_timer tw;
1331 1899
1332 static void 1900 static void
1333 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1901 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1334 { 1902 {
1335 // set the relevant poll flags
1336 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1337 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1338 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1339 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1340 } 1903 }
1341 1904
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1905 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1906 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1907 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1908 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1909 int timeout = 3600000;
1910 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1911 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1912 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1913
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1914 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1915 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1352 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1916 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1353 1917
1354 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1918 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1355 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1919 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1356 { 1920 {
1357 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1921 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1358 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1922 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1359 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1923 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1360 1924
1361 fds [i].revents = 0; 1925 fds [i].revents = 0;
1362 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1363 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1926 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1364 } 1927 }
1365 } 1928 }
1366 1929
1367 // stop all watchers after blocking 1930 // stop all watchers after blocking
1369 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1932 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1370 { 1933 {
1371 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1934 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1372 1935
1373 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1936 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1937 {
1938 // set the relevant poll flags
1939 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1940 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1941 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1942 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1943 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1944
1945 // now stop the watcher
1374 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1946 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1947 }
1375 1948
1376 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1949 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1950 }
1951
1952Method 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.
1954
1955Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1956notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1957callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1958
1959 static void
1960 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1961 {
1962 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1963 update_now (EV_A);
1964
1965 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1966 }
1967
1968 static void
1969 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1970 {
1971 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1972 update_now (EV_A);
1973
1974 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1975 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1976 }
1977
1978 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1979
1980Method 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
1982their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1983loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1984this.
1985
1986 static gint
1987 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1988 {
1989 int got_events = 0;
1990
1991 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1992 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1993
1994 if (timeout >= 0)
1995 // create/start timer
1996
1997 // poll
1998 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1999
2000 // stop timer again
2001 if (timeout >= 0)
2002 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2003
2004 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2005 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2006 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2007
2008 return got_events;
1377 } 2009 }
1378 2010
1379 2011
1380=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2012=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1381 2013
1424portable one. 2056portable one.
1425 2057
1426So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2058So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1427that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2059that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1428this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2060this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1429create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2061create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2062
2063=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2064
2065=over 4
2066
2067=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2068
2069=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2070
2071Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2072embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2073invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2074to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2075if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2076
2077=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2078
2079Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2080similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2081apropriate way for embedded loops.
2082
2083=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2084
2085The embedded event loop.
2086
2087=back
2088
2089=head3 Examples
2090
2091Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2092event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2093loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
2094C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
2095used).
1430 2096
1431 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2097 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1432 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2098 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1433 struct ev_embed embed; 2099 struct ev_embed embed;
1434 2100
1445 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2111 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1446 } 2112 }
1447 else 2113 else
1448 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2114 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1449 2115
2116Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2117a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2118kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2119C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2120
2121 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2122 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2123 struct ev_embed embed;
2124
2125 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2126 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2127 {
2128 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2129 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2130 }
2131
2132 if (!loop_socket)
2133 loop_socket = loop;
2134
2135 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2136
2137
2138=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2139
2140Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2141whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2142C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2143event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2144and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2145C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2146handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2147
2148=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2149
1450=over 4 2150=over 4
1451 2151
1452=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2152=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1453 2153
1454=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2154Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2155kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2156believe me.
1455 2157
1456Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2158=back
1457embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1458invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1459to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1460if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1461 2159
1462=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1463 2160
1464Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2161=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
1465similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1466apropriate way for embedded loops.
1467 2162
1468=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 2163In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2164asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2165loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
1469 2166
1470The embedded event loop. 2167Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2168control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2169C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2170can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2171safe.
2172
2173This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2174too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2175(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2176C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2177
2178Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2179just the default loop.
2180
2181=head3 Queueing
2182
2183C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2184is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2185multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2186need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2187
2188That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2189queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2190queue:
2191
2192=over 4
2193
2194=item queueing from a signal handler context
2195
2196To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2197handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2198some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2199
2200 static ev_async mysig;
2201
2202 static void
2203 sigusr1_handler (void)
2204 {
2205 sometype data;
2206
2207 // no locking etc.
2208 queue_put (data);
2209 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2210 }
2211
2212 static void
2213 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2214 {
2215 sometype data;
2216 sigset_t block, prev;
2217
2218 sigemptyset (&block);
2219 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2220 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2221
2222 while (queue_get (&data))
2223 process (data);
2224
2225 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2226 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2227 }
2228
2229(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2230instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2231either...).
2232
2233=item queueing from a thread context
2234
2235The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2236threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2237employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2238
2239 static ev_async mysig;
2240 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2241
2242 static void
2243 otherthread (void)
2244 {
2245 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2246 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2247 queue_put (data);
2248 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2249
2250 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2251 }
2252
2253 static void
2254 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2255 {
2256 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2257
2258 while (queue_get (&data))
2259 process (data);
2260
2261 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2262 }
2263
2264=back
2265
2266
2267=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2268
2269=over 4
2270
2271=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2272
2273Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2274kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2275believe me.
2276
2277=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2278
2279Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2280an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2281C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2282similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2283section below on what exactly this means).
2284
2285This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2286so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2287calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2288
2289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2290
2291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2292watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2293event loop.
2294
2295C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2296the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2297it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2298quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2299
2300Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only
2301wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1471 2302
1472=back 2303=back
1473 2304
1474 2305
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2306=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1547 2378
1548=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2379=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1549will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2380will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1550is an ev_pri field. 2381is an ev_pri field.
1551 2382
2383=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2384first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2385
1552=item * Other members are not supported. 2386=item * Other members are not supported.
1553 2387
1554=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2388=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1555to use the libev header file and library. 2389to use the libev header file and library.
1556 2390
1564 2398
1565To use it, 2399To use it,
1566 2400
1567 #include <ev++.h> 2401 #include <ev++.h>
1568 2402
1569(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2403This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1570and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2404of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1571namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2405put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2406options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1572 2407
1573It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2408Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1574C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2409classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2410that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2411you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2412
2413Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2414used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2415need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2416types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2417it).
1575 2418
1576Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2419Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1577 2420
1578=over 4 2421=over 4
1579 2422
1595 2438
1596All of those classes have these methods: 2439All of those classes have these methods:
1597 2440
1598=over 4 2441=over 4
1599 2442
1600=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2443=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1601 2444
1602=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2445=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1603 2446
1604=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2447=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1605 2448
1606The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2449The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1607the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2450with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1608C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2451
1609before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2452The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1610automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2453C<set> method before starting it.
2454
2455It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2456method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2457
2458(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2459not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1611 2460
1612The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2461The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2462
2463=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2464
2465This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2466signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2467first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2468parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2469
2470This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2471the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2472callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2473your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2474thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2475
2476Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2477
2478 struct myclass
2479 {
2480 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2481 }
2482
2483 myclass obj;
2484 ev::io iow;
2485 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2486
2487=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2488
2489Also 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
2491C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2492
2493The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2494
2495See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2496
2497Example:
2498
2499 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2500 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1613 2501
1614=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2502=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1615 2503
1616Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2504Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1617do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2505do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1618 2506
1619=item w->set ([args]) 2507=item w->set ([args])
1620 2508
1621Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2509Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1622called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2510called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1623automatically stopped and restarted. 2511automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2512method.
1624 2513
1625=item w->start () 2514=item w->start ()
1626 2515
1627Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2516Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1628constructor already takes the loop. 2517constructor already stores the event loop.
1629 2518
1630=item w->stop () 2519=item w->stop ()
1631 2520
1632Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2521Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1633 2522
1634=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2523=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1635 2524
1636For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2525For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1637C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2526C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1638 2527
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2528=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1640 2529
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2530Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2531
2532=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2533
2534Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1642 2535
1643=back 2536=back
1644 2537
1645=back 2538=back
1646 2539
1647Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2540Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1648the constructor. 2541the constructor.
1649 2542
1650 class myclass 2543 class myclass
1651 { 2544 {
1652 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2545 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1653 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2546 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1654 2547
1655 myclass (); 2548 myclass (int fd)
2549 {
2550 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2551 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2552
2553 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2554 }
2555 };
2556
2557
2558=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2559
2560Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2561numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2562any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2563me a note.
2564
2565=over 4
2566
2567=item Perl
2568
2569The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2570libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2571there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2572to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2573C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2574
2575It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2576L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2577
2578=item Ruby
2579
2580Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2581of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2582more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2583L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2584
2585=item D
2586
2587Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2588be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>.
2589
2590=back
2591
2592
2593=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2594
2595Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2596of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2597functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2598
2599To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2600following macros are defined:
2601
2602=over 4
2603
2604=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2605
2606This 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,
2608C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2609
2610 ev_unref (EV_A);
2611 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2612 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2613
2614It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2615which is often provided by the following macro.
2616
2617=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2618
2619This 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,
2621C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2622
2623 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2624 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2625
2626 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2627 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2628
2629It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2630suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2631
2632=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2633
2634Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2635loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2636
2637=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2638
2639Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2640default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2641is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2642execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2643
2644It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2645watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2646
2647=back
2648
2649Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2650macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2651or not.
2652
2653 static void
2654 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2655 {
2656 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1656 } 2657 }
1657 2658
1658 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2659 ev_check check;
1659 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb), 2660 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1660 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 2661 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1661 { 2662 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1662 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1663 }
1664 2663
1665=head1 EMBEDDING 2664=head1 EMBEDDING
1666 2665
1667Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2666Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1668applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2667applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1669Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2668Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1670and rxvt-unicode. 2669and rxvt-unicode.
1671 2670
1672The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2671The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1673source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2672source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1674you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2673you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1675libev somewhere in your source tree). 2674libev somewhere in your source tree).
1676 2675
1677=head2 FILESETS 2676=head2 FILESETS
1708 ev_vars.h 2707 ev_vars.h
1709 ev_wrap.h 2708 ev_wrap.h
1710 2709
1711 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2710 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1712 2711
1713 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2712 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1714 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2713 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1715 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2714 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1716 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2715 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1717 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2716 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1718 2717
1747 2746
1748 libev.m4 2747 libev.m4
1749 2748
1750=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2749=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1751 2750
1752Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2751Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
1753before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2752define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of
1754and only include the select backend. 2753autoconf is noted for every option.
1755 2754
1756=over 4 2755=over 4
1757 2756
1758=item EV_STANDALONE 2757=item EV_STANDALONE
1759 2758
1767 2766
1768If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2767If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1769monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2768monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1770of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2769of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1771usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2770usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1772the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2771the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1773to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2772to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1774function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2773function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1775 2774
1776=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2775=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1777 2776
1778If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2777If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1779realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2778realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1780runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2779runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1781be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2780be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1782(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2781(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1783in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2782note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2783
2784=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2785
2786If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2787and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2788
2789=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2790
2791If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2792available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2793C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2794If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
27952.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1784 2796
1785=item EV_USE_SELECT 2797=item EV_USE_SELECT
1786 2798
1787If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2799If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1788C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2800C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1807be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2819be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1808C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2820C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1809it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2821it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1810on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2822on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1811 2823
2824=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2825
2826If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2827file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2828default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2829correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2830in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2831
1812=item EV_USE_POLL 2832=item EV_USE_POLL
1813 2833
1814If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2834If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1815backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2835backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1816takes precedence over select. 2836takes precedence over select.
1817 2837
1818=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2838=item EV_USE_EPOLL
1819 2839
1820If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2840If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
1821C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2841C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1822otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2842otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1823preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2843backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2844headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1824 2845
1825=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2846=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
1826 2847
1827If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2848If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
1828C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2849C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
1843 2864
1844=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2865=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1845 2866
1846reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2867reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1847 2868
2869=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2870
2871If 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
2873be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2874indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2875
2876=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2877
2878Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2879access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2880type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2881that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2882as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2883
2884In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2885(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2886
1848=item EV_H 2887=item EV_H
1849 2888
1850The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2889The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1851undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2890undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1852can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2891used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1853 2892
1854=item EV_CONFIG_H 2893=item EV_CONFIG_H
1855 2894
1856If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2895If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1857F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2896F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1858C<EV_H>, above. 2897C<EV_H>, above.
1859 2898
1860=item EV_EVENT_H 2899=item EV_EVENT_H
1861 2900
1862Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2901Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1863of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2902of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1864 2903
1865=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2904=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1866 2905
1867If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2906If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
1868prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2907prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
1875will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2914will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1876additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2915additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1877for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2916for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1878argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2917argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1879 2918
2919=item EV_MINPRI
2920
2921=item EV_MAXPRI
2922
2923The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2924C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2925provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2926to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2927
2928When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2929all 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
2931fine.
2932
2933If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2934C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2935
1880=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2936=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1881 2937
1882If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2938If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1883defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2939defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1884code. 2940code.
1885 2941
2942=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2943
2944If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2945defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2946code.
2947
1886=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2948=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1887 2949
1888If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2950If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1889defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2951defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1890 2952
1891=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2953=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1892 2954
1893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2955If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2956defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2957
2958=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2959
2960If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2961defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2962
2963=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2964
2965If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
1894defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2966defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1895 2967
1896=item EV_MINIMAL 2968=item EV_MINIMAL
1897 2969
1898If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2970If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1899speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2971speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1900some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2972some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2973
2974=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2975
2976C<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
2978than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2979increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2980
2981=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2982
2983C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2984inotify 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>
2986watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2987two).
1901 2988
1902=item EV_COMMON 2989=item EV_COMMON
1903 2990
1904By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2991By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1905this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2992this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1918 3005
1919=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3006=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1920 3007
1921Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3008Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1922and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3009and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1923definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3010definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1924their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3011their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1925avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3012avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1926method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3013method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3014
3015=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3016
3017If 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
3019all public symbols, one per line:
3020
3021 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3022 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3023
3024This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3025multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3026itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
3027
3028A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3029include before including F<ev.h>:
3030
3031 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3032
3033This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3034
3035 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3036 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3037 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3038 ...
1927 3039
1928=head2 EXAMPLES 3040=head2 EXAMPLES
1929 3041
1930For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3042For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1931verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3043verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1934interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 3046interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1935will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 3047will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1936file. 3048file.
1937 3049
1938The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3050The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1939that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 3051that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1940 3052
3053 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1941 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3054 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1942 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3055 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1943 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 3056 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3057 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3058 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1944 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3059 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3060 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3061 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1945 3062
1946 #include "ev++.h" 3063 #include "ev++.h"
1947 3064
1948And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3065And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1949 3066
1950 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3067 #include "ev_cpp.h"
1951 #include "ev.c" 3068 #include "ev.c"
3069
3070
3071=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3072
3073=head2 THREADS
3074
3075Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This
3076means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3077only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3078parameter.
3079
3080Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3081parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3082done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3083thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3084per loop).
3085
3086If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot
3087help you but by giving some generic advice:
3088
3089=over 4
3090
3091=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3092in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop.
3093
3094This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3095themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3096
3097=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3098
3099Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3100exists, but it is always a good start.
3101
3102=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3103loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion.
3104
3105Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do
3106better than you currently do :-)
3107
3108=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3109event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3110threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3111
3112=back
3113
3114=head2 COROUTINES
3115
3116Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3117libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3118coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3119different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3120loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3121you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3122
3123Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3124state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3125switches.
1952 3126
1953 3127
1954=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3128=head1 COMPLEXITIES
1955 3129
1956In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3130In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1957libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3131libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1958documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3132documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1959 3133
3134All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3135extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3136happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3137mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3138it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3139
1960=over 4 3140=over 4
1961 3141
1962=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3142=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1963 3143
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
1964=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3148=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1965 3149
3150That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3151as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3152
1966=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3153=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
1967 3154
3155These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3156
1968=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3157=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
1969 3158
1970=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 3159=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1971 3160
3161These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3162correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3163have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3164
1972=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3165=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3166
3167By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
3168beginning of the storage array.
1973 3169
1974=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3170=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1975 3171
1976=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3172A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3173libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3174on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3175
3176=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
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.
1977 3194
1978=back 3195=back
1979 3196
1980 3197
3198=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3199
3200Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3201requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3202model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3203the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3204descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3205e.g. cygwin.
3206
3207There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3208embedding it into other applications.
3209
3210Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
3211abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
3212recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
3213a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
3214implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
3215be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
3216
3217=over 4
3218
3219=item The winsocket select function
3220
3221The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
3222socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
3223very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
3224to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
3225C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
3226symbols for more info.
3227
3228The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
3229libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3230
3231 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3232 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3233
3234Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3235complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3236
3237=item Limited number of file descriptors
3238
3239Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3240of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3241(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3242C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3243chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3244
3245Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3246to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3247call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3248select emulation on windows).
3249
3250Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
3251libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3252or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3253C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3254arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3255libraries.
3256
3257This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3258windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3259wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3260calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3261
3262=back
3263
3264
3265=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3266
3267In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3268additional extensions:
3269
3270=over 4
3271
3272=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3273
3274The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3275C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3276threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3277believed to be sufficiently portable.
3278
3279=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3280
3281Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3282allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3283pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3284thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3285be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3286C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3287
3288The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3289except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3290well.
3291
3292=back
3293
3294If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3295
3296
1981=head1 AUTHOR 3297=head1 AUTHOR
1982 3298
1983Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3299Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1984 3300

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