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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=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
61To 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
62(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
63communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
67details 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
68watcher. 82watcher.
69 83
70=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
71 85
72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
82 96
83It also is quite fast (see this 97It also is quite fast (see this
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the 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
101called 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
102to 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
103it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
104 121
105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
106 123
107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
108library in any way. 125library in any way.
113 130
114Returns 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
115C<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
116you actually want to know. 133you actually want to know.
117 134
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
118=item int ev_version_major () 141=item int ev_version_major ()
119 142
120=item int ev_version_minor () 143=item int ev_version_minor ()
121 144
122You 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
123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 146you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
124C<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
125symbols 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
126version of the library your program was compiled against. 149version of the library your program was compiled against.
127 150
151These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
152release version.
153
128Usually, 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,
129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 155as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 156compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
131not a problem. 157not a problem.
132 158
133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
134version. 160version.
170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
171 197
172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
173 199
174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 201semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 202used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 203when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 204or take some potentially destructive action.
179function. 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.
180 209
181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 210You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
182free 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,
183or 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.
184 213
185Example: 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
186retries). 215retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
187 216
188 static void * 217 static void *
189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 218 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
190 { 219 {
191 for (;;) 220 for (;;)
230 259
231An 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
232types 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
233events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 262events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
234 263
235If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
236in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
237create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
238whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
239threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
240done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
241
242=over 4 264=over 4
243 265
244=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 266=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
245 267
246This 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
248false. 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
249flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 271flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
250 272
251If 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
252function. 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>.
253 286
254The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
255backends 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>).
256 289
257The following flags are supported: 290The following flags are supported:
279enabling this flag. 312enabling this flag.
280 313
281This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
282and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
283iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
284Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
285without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
286C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
287 320
288The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
289forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
290flag. 323flag.
295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
296 329
297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
298libev 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,
299but 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
300using 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
301the 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.
302 342
303=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)
304 344
305And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
306select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
307number 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
308lot 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.
309 351
310=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
311 353
312For 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,
313but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
314O(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),
315either 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.
316 361
317While 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
318result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
319(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
320best 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
321well if you register events for both fds. 366very well if you register events for both fds.
322 367
323Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
324need 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
325(or space) is available. 370(or space) is available.
326 371
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
327=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
328 380
329Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
330was 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
331anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
332completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
333unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
334C<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.
335 392
336It 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
337kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
338course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
339extra 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
340incident, 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.
341 408
342=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
343 410
344This 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.
345 415
346=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
347 417
348This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
349it'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)).
350 420
351Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
352notifications, 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
353blocking 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.
354 433
355=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
356 435
357Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
358with 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
359C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 438C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
360 439
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441
361=back 442=back
362 443
363If 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
364backends 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
365specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
366order of their flag values :)
367 447
368The most typical usage is like this: 448The most typical usage is like this:
369 449
370 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 450 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
371 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
385 465
386Similar 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
387always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
388handle 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
389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 469undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
470
471Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
472libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
390 474
391Example: 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.
392 476
393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
394 if (!epoller) 478 if (!epoller)
399Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
400etc.). 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
401sense, 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
402responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
403calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
404the 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
405for 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>).
406 499
407=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 500=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
408 501
409Like 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
410earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 503earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
411 504
412=item ev_default_fork () 505=item ev_default_fork ()
413 506
507This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
414This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 508to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
415one. 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
416after 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
417again 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.
418 513
419You 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
420only 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
421fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 516you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
422 517
423The 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
424it 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
425quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 520quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
426 521
427 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 522 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
428 523
429At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
430without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
431do not need to care.
432
433=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 524=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
434 525
435Like 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
436C<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
437after 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.
438 533
439=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 534=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
440 535
441Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 536Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
442the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 537the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
455 550
456Returns 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
457received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 552received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
458change 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
459time 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
460event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 555event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
461 556
462=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 557=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
463 558
464Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 559Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
465after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 560after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
486libev 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
487usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 582usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
488 583
489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 584Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
490 585
491 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 586 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
492 - 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.
493 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 590 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
494 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 591 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
495 - Update the "event loop time". 592 - Update the "event loop time".
496 - 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.
497 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 597 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
498 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 598 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
499 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 599 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
500 - Queue all outstanding timers. 600 - Queue all outstanding timers.
501 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 601 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
502 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 602 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
503 - Queue all check watchers. 603 - Queue all check watchers.
504 - 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).
505 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
506 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 606 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
507 - 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
508 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 608 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
609 continue with step *.
509 610
510Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 611Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
511anymore. 612anymore.
512 613
513 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 614 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
514 ... 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..)
515 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 616 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
519 620
520Can 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
521has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 622has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
522C<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
523C<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.
524 627
525=item ev_ref (loop) 628=item ev_ref (loop)
526 629
527=item ev_unref (loop) 630=item ev_unref (loop)
528 631
533returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 636returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
534example, 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
535visible 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
536no 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
537way 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
538libraries. 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).
539 644
540Example: 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>
541running when nothing else is active. 646running when nothing else is active.
542 647
543 struct ev_signal exitsig; 648 struct ev_signal exitsig;
547 652
548Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
549 654
550 ev_ref (loop); 655 ev_ref (loop);
551 ev_signal_stop (loop, &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.
552 693
553=back 694=back
554 695
555 696
556=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 697=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
656=item C<EV_FORK> 797=item C<EV_FORK>
657 798
658The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 799The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
659C<ev_fork>). 800C<ev_fork>).
660 801
802=item C<EV_ASYNC>
803
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
805
661=item C<EV_ERROR> 806=item C<EV_ERROR>
662 807
663An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
664happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
665ran 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
776always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 921always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
777 922
778Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 923Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
779fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 924fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
780or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 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>.
781 938
782=back 939=back
783 940
784 941
785=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 942=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
870In 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
871fd 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
872descriptors 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
873required if you know what you are doing). 1030required if you know what you are doing).
874 1031
875You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
876(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
877descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
878to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
879the same underlying "file open").
880
881If 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
882(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
883C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1034C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
884 1035
885Another 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
895play 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
896whether 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
897such 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
898its own, so its quite safe to use). 1049its own, so its quite safe to use).
899 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
1108
900=over 4 1109=over 4
901 1110
902=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1111=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
903 1112
904=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1113=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
914=item int events [read-only] 1123=item int events [read-only]
915 1124
916The events being watched. 1125The events being watched.
917 1126
918=back 1127=back
1128
1129=head3 Examples
919 1130
920Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
921readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
922attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
923 1134
957 1168
958The 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,
959but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1170but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
960order of execution is undefined. 1171order of execution is undefined.
961 1172
1173=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174
962=over 4 1175=over 4
963 1176
964=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)
965 1178
966=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)
974configure 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
975exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1188exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
976the 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
977timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1190timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
978 1191
979=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1192=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
980 1193
981This 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
982repeating. The exact semantics are: 1195repeating. The exact semantics are:
983 1196
984If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1197If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1019or 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),
1020which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1233which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1021 1234
1022=back 1235=back
1023 1236
1237=head3 Examples
1238
1024Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1239Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1025 1240
1026 static void 1241 static void
1027 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)
1028 { 1243 {
1061but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1276but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1062to 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
1063periodic 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 ()
1064+ 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
1065take 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
1066roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1281roughly 10 seconds later).
1067again).
1068 1282
1069They 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
1070triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1284triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1285rules.
1071 1286
1072As 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
1073time (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
1074during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1289during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1075 1290
1291=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1292
1076=over 4 1293=over 4
1077 1294
1078=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)
1079 1296
1080=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)
1082Lots 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
1083operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1300operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1084 1301
1085=over 4 1302=over 4
1086 1303
1087=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1304=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1088 1305
1089In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1306In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1090C<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,
1091that 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
1092system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1309system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1093 1310
1094=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1311=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1095 1312
1096In 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
1097C<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)
1098of any time jumps. 1315and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1099 1316
1100This 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
1101time: 1318time:
1102 1319
1103 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1320 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1109 1326
1110Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1327Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1111C<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
1112time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1329time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1113 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
1114=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1335=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1115 1336
1116In 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
1117ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1338ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1118reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1339reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1119current time as second argument. 1340current time as second argument.
1120 1341
1121NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1342NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1122ever, 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,
1123return 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
1124starting a prepare watcher). 1345starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1125 1346
1126Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1347Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1127ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1348ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1128 1349
1129 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)
1152Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1373Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1153when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1374when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1154a 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
1155program when the crontabs have changed). 1376program when the crontabs have changed).
1156 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
1157=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1386=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1158 1387
1159The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1388The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1160take 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
1161called. 1390called.
1164 1393
1165The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1394The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1166switched 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
1167the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1396the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1168 1397
1398=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1399
1400When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1401trigger next.
1402
1169=back 1403=back
1404
1405=head3 Examples
1170 1406
1171Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1407Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1172system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1408system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1173potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1409potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1174 1410
1214with 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
1215as 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
1216watcher 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
1217SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1453SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1218 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
1219=over 4 1463=over 4
1220 1464
1221=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1465=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1222 1466
1223=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1467=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1229 1473
1230The signal the watcher watches out for. 1474The signal the watcher watches out for.
1231 1475
1232=back 1476=back
1233 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
1234 1492
1235=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1493=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1236 1494
1237Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1495Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1238some 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
1239 1524
1240=over 4 1525=over 4
1241 1526
1242=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1527=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1243 1528
1244=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1529=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1245 1530
1246Configures 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
1247I<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
1248at 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
1249the 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
1250C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1535C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1251process 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).
1252 1539
1253=item int pid [read-only] 1540=item int pid [read-only]
1254 1541
1255The 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.
1256 1543
1263The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1550The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1264C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1551C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1265 1552
1266=back 1553=back
1267 1554
1268Example: 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;
1269 1561
1270 static void 1562 static void
1271 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1563 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1272 { 1564 {
1273 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);
1274 } 1567 }
1275 1568
1276 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1569 pid_t pid = fork ();
1277 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1570
1278 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 }
1279 1583
1280 1584
1281=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1585=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1282 1586
1283This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1587This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1312semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1616semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1313to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1617to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1314usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1618usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1315polling. 1619polling.
1316 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
1666
1317=over 4 1667=over 4
1318 1668
1319=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)
1320 1670
1321=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1671=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1328 1678
1329The 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,
1330relative 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
1331last change was detected). 1681last change was detected).
1332 1682
1333=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1683=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1334 1684
1335Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1685Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1336watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1686watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1337detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1687detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1338useful simply to find out the new values. 1688useful simply to find out the new values.
1356=item const char *path [read-only] 1706=item const char *path [read-only]
1357 1707
1358The filesystem path that is being watched. 1708The filesystem path that is being watched.
1359 1709
1360=back 1710=back
1711
1712=head3 Examples
1361 1713
1362Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1714Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1363 1715
1364 static void 1716 static void
1365 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1717 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1378 } 1730 }
1379 1731
1380 ... 1732 ...
1381 ev_stat passwd; 1733 ev_stat passwd;
1382 1734
1383 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1735 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1384 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1736 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
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);
1385 1765
1386 1766
1387=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...
1388 1768
1389Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1769Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1403Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1783Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1404effect 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
1405"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1785"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1406event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1786event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1407 1787
1788=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1789
1408=over 4 1790=over 4
1409 1791
1410=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1792=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1411 1793
1412Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1794Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1413kind. 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,
1414believe me. 1796believe me.
1415 1797
1416=back 1798=back
1799
1800=head3 Examples
1417 1801
1418Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1802Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1419callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1803callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1420 1804
1421 static void 1805 static void
1422 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)
1423 { 1807 {
1424 free (w); 1808 free (w);
1425 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1809 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1426 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1810 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1427 } 1811 }
1428 1812
1429 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1813 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1430 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1814 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1431 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1815 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1469with 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
1470of 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
1471loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1855loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1472low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1856low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1473 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
1474=over 4 1870=over 4
1475 1871
1476=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1872=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1477 1873
1478=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1874=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1481parameters 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>
1482macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1878macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1483 1879
1484=back 1880=back
1485 1881
1486Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1882=head3 Examples
1487and 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,
1488in 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
1489pseudo-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.
1490 1896
1491 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1897 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1492 static ev_timer tw; 1898 static ev_timer tw;
1493 1899
1494 static void 1900 static void
1495 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1901 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1496 { 1902 {
1497 // set the relevant poll flags
1498 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1499 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1500 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1501 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1502 } 1903 }
1503 1904
1504 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1905 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1505 static void 1906 static void
1506 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1907 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1512 1913
1513 /* 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 */
1514 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1915 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1515 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1916 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1516 1917
1517 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1918 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1518 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1919 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1519 { 1920 {
1520 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1921 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1521 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1922 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1522 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1923 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1523 1924
1524 fds [i].revents = 0; 1925 fds [i].revents = 0;
1525 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1526 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1926 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1527 } 1927 }
1528 } 1928 }
1529 1929
1530 // stop all watchers after blocking 1930 // stop all watchers after blocking
1532 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1932 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1533 { 1933 {
1534 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1934 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1535 1935
1536 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
1537 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1946 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1947 }
1538 1948
1539 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;
1540 } 2009 }
1541 2010
1542 2011
1543=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2012=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1544 2013
1587portable one. 2056portable one.
1588 2057
1589So 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
1590that 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
1591this 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
1592create 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).
1593 2096
1594 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2097 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1595 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2098 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1596 struct ev_embed embed; 2099 struct ev_embed embed;
1597 2100
1608 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2111 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1609 } 2112 }
1610 else 2113 else
1611 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2114 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1612 2115
1613=over 4 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).
1614 2120
1615=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 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 }
1616 2131
1617=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2132 if (!loop_socket)
2133 loop_socket = loop;
1618 2134
1619Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2135 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1620embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1621invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1622to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1623if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1624
1625=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1626
1627Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1628similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1629apropriate way for embedded loops.
1630
1631=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1632
1633The embedded event loop.
1634
1635=back
1636 2136
1637 2137
1638=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2138=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1639 2139
1640Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2140Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1643event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2143event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1644and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2144and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1645C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2145C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1646handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2146handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1647 2147
2148=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2149
1648=over 4 2150=over 4
1649 2151
1650=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2152=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1651 2153
1652Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2154Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1653kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2155kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1654believe me. 2156believe me.
2157
2158=back
2159
2160
2161=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2162
2163In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2164asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2165loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2166
2167Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2168control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2169C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2170can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2171safe.
2172
2173This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2174too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2175(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2176C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2177
2178Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2179just the default loop.
2180
2181=head3 Queueing
2182
2183C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2184is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2185multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2186need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2187
2188That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2189queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2190queue:
2191
2192=over 4
2193
2194=item queueing from a signal handler context
2195
2196To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2197handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2198some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2199
2200 static ev_async mysig;
2201
2202 static void
2203 sigusr1_handler (void)
2204 {
2205 sometype data;
2206
2207 // no locking etc.
2208 queue_put (data);
2209 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2210 }
2211
2212 static void
2213 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2214 {
2215 sometype data;
2216 sigset_t block, prev;
2217
2218 sigemptyset (&block);
2219 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2220 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2221
2222 while (queue_get (&data))
2223 process (data);
2224
2225 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2226 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2227 }
2228
2229(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2230instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2231either...).
2232
2233=item queueing from a thread context
2234
2235The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2236threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2237employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2238
2239 static ev_async mysig;
2240 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2241
2242 static void
2243 otherthread (void)
2244 {
2245 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2246 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2247 queue_put (data);
2248 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2249
2250 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2251 }
2252
2253 static void
2254 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2255 {
2256 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2257
2258 while (queue_get (&data))
2259 process (data);
2260
2261 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2262 }
2263
2264=back
2265
2266
2267=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2268
2269=over 4
2270
2271=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2272
2273Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2274kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2275believe me.
2276
2277=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2278
2279Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2280an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2281C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2282similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2283section below on what exactly this means).
2284
2285This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2286so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2287calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2288
2289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2290
2291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2292watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2293event loop.
2294
2295C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2296the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2297it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2298quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2299
2300Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only
2301wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1655 2302
1656=back 2303=back
1657 2304
1658 2305
1659=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2306=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1731 2378
1732=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2379=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1733will 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
1734is an ev_pri field. 2381is an ev_pri field.
1735 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
1736=item * Other members are not supported. 2386=item * Other members are not supported.
1737 2387
1738=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
1739to use the libev header file and library. 2389to use the libev header file and library.
1740 2390
1832 2482
1833 myclass obj; 2483 myclass obj;
1834 ev::io iow; 2484 ev::io iow;
1835 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2485 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1836 2486
1837=item w->set (void (*function)(watcher &w, int), void *data = 0) 2487=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1838 2488
1839Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2489Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1840callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2490callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1841C<data> member and is free for you to use. 2491C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1842 2492
2493The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2494
1843See the method-C<set> above for more details. 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> ();
1844 2501
1845=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2502=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1846 2503
1847Associates 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
1848do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2505do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1861 2518
1862=item w->stop () 2519=item w->stop ()
1863 2520
1864Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2521Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1865 2522
1866=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2523=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1867 2524
1868For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2525For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1869C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2526C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1870 2527
1871=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2528=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1872 2529
1873Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2530Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1874 2531
1875=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2532=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1876 2533
1877Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2534Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1878 2535
1879=back 2536=back
1880 2537
1883Example: 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
1884the constructor. 2541the constructor.
1885 2542
1886 class myclass 2543 class myclass
1887 { 2544 {
1888 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2545 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1889 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2546 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1890 2547
1891 myclass (); 2548 myclass (int fd)
1892 }
1893
1894 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1895 { 2549 {
1896 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2550 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1897 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2551 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1898 2552
1899 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2553 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2554 }
1900 } 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
1901 2591
1902 2592
1903=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2593=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1904 2594
1905Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2595Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1906C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and 2596of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1907callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2597functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1908 2598
1909To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2599To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1910following macros are defined: 2600following macros are defined:
1911 2601
1912=over 4 2602=over 4
1941 2631
1942=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2632=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1943 2633
1944Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2634Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1945loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2635loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2636
2637=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2638
2639Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2640default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2641is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2642execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2643
2644It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2645watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
1946 2646
1947=back 2647=back
1948 2648
1949Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2649Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1950macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2650macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1966Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2666Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1967applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2667applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1968Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2668Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1969and rxvt-unicode. 2669and rxvt-unicode.
1970 2670
1971The 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
1972source 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
1973you 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
1974libev somewhere in your source tree). 2674libev somewhere in your source tree).
1975 2675
1976=head2 FILESETS 2676=head2 FILESETS
2046 2746
2047 libev.m4 2747 libev.m4
2048 2748
2049=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2749=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2050 2750
2051Libev 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
2052before 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
2053and only include the select backend. 2753autoconf is noted for every option.
2054 2754
2055=over 4 2755=over 4
2056 2756
2057=item EV_STANDALONE 2757=item EV_STANDALONE
2058 2758
2066 2766
2067If 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
2068monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2768monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2069of 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
2070usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2770usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2071the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2771the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2072to 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>
2073function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2773function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2074 2774
2075=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2775=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2076 2776
2077If 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
2078realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2778realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2079runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2779runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2080be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2780be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2081(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2781(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2082in 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.
2083 2796
2084=item EV_USE_SELECT 2797=item EV_USE_SELECT
2085 2798
2086If 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
2087C<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
2106be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2819be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2107C<_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,
2108it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2821it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2109on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2822on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2110 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
2111=item EV_USE_POLL 2832=item EV_USE_POLL
2112 2833
2113If 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)
2114backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2835backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2115takes precedence over select. 2836takes precedence over select.
2116 2837
2117=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2838=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2118 2839
2119If 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
2120C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2841C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2121otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2842otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2122preferred 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.
2123 2845
2124=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2846=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2125 2847
2126If 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
2127C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2849C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2146 2868
2147=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2869=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2148 2870
2149If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2871If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2150interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2872interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2151be detected at runtime. 2873be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2874indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2875
2876=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2877
2878Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2879access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2880type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2881that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2882as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2883
2884In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2885(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2152 2886
2153=item EV_H 2887=item EV_H
2154 2888
2155The 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
2156undefined 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
2157can 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.
2158 2892
2159=item EV_CONFIG_H 2893=item EV_CONFIG_H
2160 2894
2161If 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
2162F<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
2163C<EV_H>, above. 2897C<EV_H>, above.
2164 2898
2165=item EV_EVENT_H 2899=item EV_EVENT_H
2166 2900
2167Similarly 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
2168of 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">.
2169 2903
2170=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2904=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2171 2905
2172If 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
2173prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2907prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2224=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2958=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2225 2959
2226If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2960If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2227defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2961defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2228 2962
2963=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2964
2965If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2966defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2967
2229=item EV_MINIMAL 2968=item EV_MINIMAL
2230 2969
2231If 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
2232speed, 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
2233some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2972some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2239than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2978than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2240increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2979increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2241 2980
2242=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2981=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2243 2982
2244C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2983C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2245inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2984inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2246usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2985usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2247watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2986watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2248two). 2987two).
2249 2988
2266 3005
2267=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3006=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2268 3007
2269Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3008Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2270and 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
2271definition 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
2272their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3011their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2273avoid 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
2274method 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 ...
2275 3039
2276=head2 EXAMPLES 3040=head2 EXAMPLES
2277 3041
2278For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3042For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2279verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3043verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2302 3066
2303 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3067 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2304 #include "ev.c" 3068 #include "ev.c"
2305 3069
2306 3070
3071=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3072
3073=head2 THREADS
3074
3075Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This
3076means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3077only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3078parameter.
3079
3080Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3081parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3082done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3083thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3084per loop).
3085
3086If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot
3087help you but by giving some generic advice:
3088
3089=over 4
3090
3091=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3092in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop.
3093
3094This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3095themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3096
3097=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3098
3099Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3100exists, but it is always a good start.
3101
3102=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3103loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion.
3104
3105Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do
3106better than you currently do :-)
3107
3108=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3109event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3110threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3111
3112=back
3113
3114=head2 COROUTINES
3115
3116Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3117libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3118coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3119different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3120loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3121you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3122
3123Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3124state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3125switches.
3126
3127
2307=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3128=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2308 3129
2309In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3130In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2310libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3131libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2311documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3132documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2320 3141
2321=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)
2322 3143
2323This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3144This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2324there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3145there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2325have to skip those 100 watchers. 3146have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2326 3147
2327=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)
2328 3149
2329That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3150That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2330as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3151as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2331 3152
2332=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)
2333 3154
2334These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3155These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3156
2335=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3157=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2336 3158
2337=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3159=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2338 3160
2339These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3161These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2340correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3162correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2341have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3163have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2342 3164
2343=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.
2344 3169
2345=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)
2346 3171
2347A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3172A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2348libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel). 3173libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3174on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2349 3175
2350=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3176=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2351 3177
2352=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3178=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2353 3179
2354Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3180Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2355priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3181priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2356linearly search all the priorities. 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.
2357 3194
2358=back 3195=back
2359 3196
2360 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
2361=head1 AUTHOR 3297=head1 AUTHOR
2362 3298
2363Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3299Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2364 3300

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