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Revision 1.157 by root, Tue May 20 23:49:41 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.166 by root, Tue Jun 3 03:48:10 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
174a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
231 ... 252 ...
232 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
233 254
234=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
235 256
236Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
237as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
238indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
239callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
240matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
241requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
242(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
243 264
244Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
277from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
278as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
279 300
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
286 307
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
296The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
298 319
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 321
301If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
302or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
305useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
306around bugs. 327around bugs.
313 334
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 341
321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 344flag.
324 345
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable. 347environment variable.
327 348
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 350
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
332but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
333using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
334usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 356
336To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
337parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
338writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
339connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
340a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readiness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
342 363
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll 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 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup. 381support for dup.
361 382
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
366very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
367 388
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
371 392
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
375 396
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
378 399
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 401
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
387system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
388 409
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 413
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
396cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
397two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399 420
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 422
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 438
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
419it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 441
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
422notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 445
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
439 460
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 462
442=back 463=back
443 464
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 468
448The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
449 470
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 473
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
455 476
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 478
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
461 482
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 484
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 486
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
472libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
474 495
475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
476 497
477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
480 501
481=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
482 503
483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
484etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
485sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
488the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
489for example). 510for example).
490 511
491Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
573those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
574case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
575 596
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
577neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
578your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
579one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
580external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
581libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
582usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
643respectively). 664respectively).
644 665
645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 666Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
646running when nothing else is active. 667running when nothing else is active.
647 668
648 struct ev_signal exitsig; 669 struct ev_signal exitsig;
649 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 670 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
650 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 671 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
651 evf_unref (loop); 672 evf_unref (loop);
652 673
653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 674Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
654 675
655 ev_ref (loop); 676 ev_ref (loop);
656 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 677 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
657 678
658=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 679=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
659 680
660=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 681=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
661 682
683to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 704to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
684latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 705latency (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 706will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
686any overhead in libev. 707any overhead in libev.
687 708
688Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 709Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
689interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 710interval 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 711interactive 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>, 712usually 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. 713as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
714
715=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
716
717This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
718compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
719them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
720an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
721
722This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
723circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
724data structures consistent.
693 725
694=back 726=back
695 727
696 728
697=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 729=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
698 730
699A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 731A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
700interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 732interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
701become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 733become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
702 734
703 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 735 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
704 { 736 {
705 ev_io_stop (w); 737 ev_io_stop (w);
706 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 738 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
707 } 739 }
708 740
709 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 741 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
710 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 742 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
711 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 743 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
712 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 744 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
713 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 745 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
714 ev_loop (loop, 0); 746 ev_loop (loop, 0);
715 747
716As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 748As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
717watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 749watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
718although this can sometimes be quite valid). 750although this can sometimes be quite valid).
719 751
720Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 752Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
721(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 753(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
722callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 754callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
723watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 755watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
724is readable and/or writable). 756is readable and/or writable).
725 757
726Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 758Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
727with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 759with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
803 835
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 836The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
805 837
806=item C<EV_ERROR> 838=item C<EV_ERROR>
807 839
808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 840An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 841happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
810ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 842ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
811problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 843problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
812with the watcher being stopped. 844with the watcher being stopped.
813 845
814Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 846Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
815for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 847for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
816your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 848your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
817with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 849with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
818programs, though, so beware. 850programs, though, so beware.
819 851
820=back 852=back
821 853
822=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 854=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
852Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 884Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
853(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 885(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
854 886
855=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 887=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
856 888
857This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 889This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
858calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 890calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
859a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 891a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
860 892
861=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 893=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
862 894
863Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 895Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
946to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 978to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
947don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 979don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
948member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 980member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
949data: 981data:
950 982
951 struct my_io 983 struct my_io
952 { 984 {
953 struct ev_io io; 985 struct ev_io io;
954 int otherfd; 986 int otherfd;
955 void *somedata; 987 void *somedata;
956 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 988 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
957 } 989 }
958 990
959And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 991And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
960can cast it back to your own type: 992can cast it back to your own type:
961 993
962 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 994 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
963 { 995 {
964 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 996 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
965 ... 997 ...
966 } 998 }
967 999
968More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1000More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
969instead have been omitted. 1001instead have been omitted.
970 1002
971Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1003Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
972watchers: 1004watchers:
973 1005
974 struct my_biggy 1006 struct my_biggy
975 { 1007 {
976 int some_data; 1008 int some_data;
977 ev_timer t1; 1009 ev_timer t1;
978 ev_timer t2; 1010 ev_timer t2;
979 } 1011 }
980 1012
981In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1013In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
982you need to use C<offsetof>: 1014you need to use C<offsetof>:
983 1015
984 #include <stddef.h> 1016 #include <stddef.h>
985 1017
986 static void 1018 static void
987 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1019 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
988 { 1020 {
989 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1021 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
990 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1022 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
991 } 1023 }
992 1024
993 static void 1025 static void
994 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1026 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
995 { 1027 {
996 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1028 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
997 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1029 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
998 } 1030 }
999 1031
1000 1032
1001=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1033=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1002 1034
1003This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1035This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1035 1067
1036Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1068Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1037receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1069receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1038be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1070be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1039because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1071because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1040lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1072lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1041this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1073this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1042it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1074it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1043C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1075C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1044 1076
1045If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1077If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1046play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1078play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1047whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1079whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1048such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1080such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1049its own, so its quite safe to use). 1081its own, so its quite safe to use).
1050 1082
1051=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1083=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1111=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1143=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1112 1144
1113=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1145=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1114 1146
1115Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1147Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1116rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1148receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1117C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1149C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1118 1150
1119=item int fd [read-only] 1151=item int fd [read-only]
1120 1152
1121The file descriptor being watched. 1153The file descriptor being watched.
1130 1162
1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1163Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1164readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1165attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1134 1166
1135 static void 1167 static void
1136 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1168 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1137 { 1169 {
1138 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1170 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1139 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1171 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1140 } 1172 }
1141 1173
1142 ... 1174 ...
1143 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1175 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1144 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1176 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1145 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1177 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1146 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1178 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1147 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1179 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1148 1180
1149 1181
1150=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1182=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1151 1183
1152Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1184Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1153given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1185given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1154 1186
1155The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1187The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1156times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to january last 1188times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1157year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1189year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1158detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1190detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1159monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1191monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1160 1192
1161The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1193The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1164you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1196you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
1165on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1197on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1166 1198
1167 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1199 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1168 1200
1169The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1201The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1170but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1202but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1171order of execution is undefined. 1203order of execution is undefined.
1172 1204
1173=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1205=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174 1206
1195This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1227This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1196repeating. The exact semantics are: 1228repeating. The exact semantics are:
1197 1229
1198If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1230If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1199 1231
1200If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1232If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1201 1233
1202If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1234If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1203C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1235C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1204 1236
1205This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1237This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1206example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1238example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1207timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1239timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1208seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1240seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1209configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1241configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1210C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1242C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1211you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1243you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1237 1269
1238=head3 Examples 1270=head3 Examples
1239 1271
1240Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1272Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1241 1273
1242 static void 1274 static void
1243 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1275 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1244 { 1276 {
1245 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1277 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1246 } 1278 }
1247 1279
1248 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1280 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1249 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1281 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1250 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1282 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1251 1283
1252Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1284Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1253inactivity. 1285inactivity.
1254 1286
1255 static void 1287 static void
1256 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1288 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1257 { 1289 {
1258 .. ten seconds without any activity 1290 .. ten seconds without any activity
1259 } 1291 }
1260 1292
1261 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1293 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1262 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1294 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1263 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1295 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1264 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1265 1297
1266 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1298 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1267 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1299 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1268 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1300 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1269 1301
1270 1302
1271=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1303=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1272 1304
1273Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1305Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1274(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1306(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1275 1307
1276Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1308Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1277but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1309but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1278to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1310to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1279periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1311periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1280+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 1312+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1281clock to january of the previous year, then it will take more than year 1313clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1282to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger 1314to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1283roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1315roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1284 1316
1285C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1317C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1286such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1318such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1287complicated, rules. 1319complicated, rules.
1288 1320
1289As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1321As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1290time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1322time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1291during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1323during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1292 1324
1293=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1294 1326
1303 1335
1304=over 4 1336=over 4
1305 1337
1306=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1338=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1307 1339
1308In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wallclock 1340In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1309time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time 1341time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1310jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1342jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1311run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1343run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1312 1344
1313=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1345=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1321the hour: 1353the hour:
1322 1354
1323 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1355 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1324 1356
1325This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1357This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1326but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1358but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1327full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1359full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1328by 3600. 1360by 3600.
1329 1361
1330Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1362Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1331C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1363C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1332time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1364time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1333 1365
1334For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1366For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1335C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1367C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1336this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1368this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1369
1370Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1371speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1372will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1373millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1337 1374
1338=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1375=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1339 1376
1340In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1377In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1341ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1378ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1409 1446
1410=head3 Examples 1447=head3 Examples
1411 1448
1412Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1449Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1413system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1450system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1414potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1451potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1415 1452
1416 static void 1453 static void
1417 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1454 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1418 { 1455 {
1419 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1456 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1420 } 1457 }
1421 1458
1422 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1459 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1423 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1460 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1424 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1461 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1425 1462
1426Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1463Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1427 1464
1428 #include <math.h> 1465 #include <math.h>
1429 1466
1430 static ev_tstamp 1467 static ev_tstamp
1431 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1468 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1432 { 1469 {
1433 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1470 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1434 } 1471 }
1435 1472
1436 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1473 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1437 1474
1438Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1475Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1439 1476
1440 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1477 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1441 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1478 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1442 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1479 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1443 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1480 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1444 1481
1445 1482
1446=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1483=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1447 1484
1448Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1485Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1456as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1493as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1457watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1494watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1458SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1495SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1459 1496
1460If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1497If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1461C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1498C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1462interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1499interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1463signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1500signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1464them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1501them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1465 1502
1466=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1467 1504
1482 1519
1483=head3 Examples 1520=head3 Examples
1484 1521
1485Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1522Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1486 1523
1487 static void 1524 static void
1488 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1525 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1489 { 1526 {
1490 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1527 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1491 } 1528 }
1492 1529
1493 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1530 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1494 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1531 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1495 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1532 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1496 1533
1497 1534
1498=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1535=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1499 1536
1500Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1537Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1502is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1539is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1503forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1540forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1504loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1541loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1505 1542
1506Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1543Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1507you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1544you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1508 1545
1509=head3 Process Interaction 1546=head3 Process Interaction
1510 1547
1511Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1548Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1512initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1549initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1513the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1550the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1514of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1551of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1515synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1552synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1516children, even ones not watched. 1553children, even ones not watched.
1517 1554
1518=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1555=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1560=head3 Examples 1597=head3 Examples
1561 1598
1562Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1599Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1563its completion. 1600its completion.
1564 1601
1565 ev_child cw; 1602 ev_child cw;
1566 1603
1567 static void 1604 static void
1568 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1605 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1569 { 1606 {
1570 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1607 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1571 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1608 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1572 } 1609 }
1573 1610
1574 pid_t pid = fork (); 1611 pid_t pid = fork ();
1575 1612
1576 if (pid < 0) 1613 if (pid < 0)
1577 // error 1614 // error
1578 else if (pid == 0) 1615 else if (pid == 0)
1579 { 1616 {
1580 // the forked child executes here 1617 // the forked child executes here
1581 exit (1); 1618 exit (1);
1582 } 1619 }
1583 else 1620 else
1584 { 1621 {
1585 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1622 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1586 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1623 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1587 } 1624 }
1588 1625
1589 1626
1590=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1627=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1591 1628
1592This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1629This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1593C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1630C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1594compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1631compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1595 1632
1596The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1633The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1597not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1634not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1631disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1668disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1632structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1669structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1633use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1670use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1634compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1671compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1635obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1672obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1636most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1673most noticeably with ev_stat and large file support.
1637 1674
1638=head3 Inotify 1675=head3 Inotify
1639 1676
1640When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1677When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1641available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1678available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1651implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1688implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1652descriptor open on the object at all times). 1689descriptor open on the object at all times).
1653 1690
1654=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1691=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1655 1692
1656The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1693The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1657even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1694even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1658only support whole seconds. 1695only support whole seconds.
1659 1696
1660That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 1697That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1661easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 1698easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1662calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 1699calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1722 1759
1723The specified interval. 1760The specified interval.
1724 1761
1725=item const char *path [read-only] 1762=item const char *path [read-only]
1726 1763
1727The filesystem path that is being watched. 1764The file system path that is being watched.
1728 1765
1729=back 1766=back
1730 1767
1731=head3 Examples 1768=head3 Examples
1732 1769
1733Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1770Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1734 1771
1735 static void 1772 static void
1736 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1773 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1737 { 1774 {
1738 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1775 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1739 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1776 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1740 { 1777 {
1741 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1778 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1742 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1779 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1743 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1780 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1744 } 1781 }
1745 else 1782 else
1746 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1783 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1747 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1784 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1748 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1785 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1749 } 1786 }
1750 1787
1751 ... 1788 ...
1752 ev_stat passwd; 1789 ev_stat passwd;
1753 1790
1754 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1791 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1755 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1792 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1756 1793
1757Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1794Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1758miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1795miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1759one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1796one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1760C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1797C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1761 1798
1762 static ev_stat passwd; 1799 static ev_stat passwd;
1763 static ev_timer timer; 1800 static ev_timer timer;
1764 1801
1765 static void 1802 static void
1766 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1803 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1767 { 1804 {
1768 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1805 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1769 1806
1770 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1807 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1771 } 1808 }
1772 1809
1773 static void 1810 static void
1774 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1811 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1775 { 1812 {
1776 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1813 /* reset the one-second timer */
1777 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1814 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1778 } 1815 }
1779 1816
1780 ... 1817 ...
1781 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1818 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1782 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1819 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1783 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02); 1820 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1784 1821
1785 1822
1786=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1823=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1787 1824
1788Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1825Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1819=head3 Examples 1856=head3 Examples
1820 1857
1821Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1858Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1822callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1859callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1823 1860
1824 static void 1861 static void
1825 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1862 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1826 { 1863 {
1827 free (w); 1864 free (w);
1828 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1865 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1829 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1866 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1830 } 1867 }
1831 1868
1832 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1869 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1833 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1870 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1834 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1871 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1835 1872
1836 1873
1837=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1874=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1838 1875
1839Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1876Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1858 1895
1859This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1896This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1860to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1897to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1861them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1898them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1862provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1899provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1863any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1900any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1864and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1901and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1865callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1902callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1866because you never know, you know?). 1903because you never know, you know?).
1867 1904
1868As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1905As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1911and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1948and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1912is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1949is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1913priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1950priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1914the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1951the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1915 1952
1916 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1953 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1917 static ev_timer tw; 1954 static ev_timer tw;
1918 1955
1919 static void 1956 static void
1920 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1957 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1921 { 1958 {
1922 } 1959 }
1923 1960
1924 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1961 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1925 static void 1962 static void
1926 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1963 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1927 { 1964 {
1928 int timeout = 3600000; 1965 int timeout = 3600000;
1929 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1966 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1930 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1967 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1931 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1968 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1932 1969
1933 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1970 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1934 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1971 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1935 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1972 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1936 1973
1937 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1974 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1938 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1975 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1939 { 1976 {
1940 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1977 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1941 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1978 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1942 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1979 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1943 1980
1944 fds [i].revents = 0; 1981 fds [i].revents = 0;
1945 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1982 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1946 } 1983 }
1947 } 1984 }
1948 1985
1949 // stop all watchers after blocking 1986 // stop all watchers after blocking
1950 static void 1987 static void
1951 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1988 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1952 { 1989 {
1953 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1990 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1954 1991
1955 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1992 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1956 { 1993 {
1957 // set the relevant poll flags 1994 // set the relevant poll flags
1958 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 1995 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1959 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 1996 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1960 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 1997 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1961 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 1998 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1962 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 1999 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1963 2000
1964 // now stop the watcher 2001 // now stop the watcher
1965 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2002 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1966 } 2003 }
1967 2004
1968 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2005 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1969 } 2006 }
1970 2007
1971Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2008Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1972in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2009in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1973 2010
1974Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2011Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1975notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2012notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1976callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2013callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1977 2014
1978 static void 2015 static void
1979 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2016 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1980 { 2017 {
1981 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2018 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1982 update_now (EV_A); 2019 update_now (EV_A);
1983 2020
1984 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2021 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1985 } 2022 }
1986 2023
1987 static void 2024 static void
1988 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2025 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1989 { 2026 {
1990 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2027 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1991 update_now (EV_A); 2028 update_now (EV_A);
1992 2029
1993 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2030 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1994 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2031 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1995 } 2032 }
1996 2033
1997 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2034 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1998 2035
1999Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2036Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2000want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2037want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
2001their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2038their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2002loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2039loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2003this. 2040this.
2004 2041
2005 static gint 2042 static gint
2006 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2043 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2007 { 2044 {
2008 int got_events = 0; 2045 int got_events = 0;
2009 2046
2010 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2047 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2011 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2048 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2012 2049
2013 if (timeout >= 0) 2050 if (timeout >= 0)
2014 // create/start timer 2051 // create/start timer
2015 2052
2016 // poll 2053 // poll
2017 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2054 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2018 2055
2019 // stop timer again 2056 // stop timer again
2020 if (timeout >= 0) 2057 if (timeout >= 0)
2021 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2058 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2022 2059
2023 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2060 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2024 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2061 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2025 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2062 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2026 2063
2027 return got_events; 2064 return got_events;
2028 } 2065 }
2029 2066
2030 2067
2031=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2068=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2032 2069
2033This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2070This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2089 2126
2090Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2127Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2091embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2128embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2092invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2129invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2093to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2130to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2094if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2131if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2095 2132
2096=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2133=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2097 2134
2098Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2135Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2099similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2136similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2100apropriate way for embedded loops. 2137appropriate way for embedded loops.
2101 2138
2102=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2139=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2103 2140
2104The embedded event loop. 2141The embedded event loop.
2105 2142
2107 2144
2108=head3 Examples 2145=head3 Examples
2109 2146
2110Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2147Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2111event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2148event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2112loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2149loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2113C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2150C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2114used). 2151used).
2115 2152
2116 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2153 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2117 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2154 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2118 struct ev_embed embed; 2155 struct ev_embed embed;
2119 2156
2120 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2157 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2121 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2158 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2122 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2159 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2123 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2160 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2124 : 0; 2161 : 0;
2125 2162
2126 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2163 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2127 if (loop_lo) 2164 if (loop_lo)
2128 { 2165 {
2129 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2166 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2130 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2167 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2131 } 2168 }
2132 else 2169 else
2133 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2170 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2134 2171
2135Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2172Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2136a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2173a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2137kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2174kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2138C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2175C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2139 2176
2140 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2177 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2141 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2178 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2142 struct ev_embed embed; 2179 struct ev_embed embed;
2143 2180
2144 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2181 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2145 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2182 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2146 { 2183 {
2147 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2184 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2148 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2185 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2149 } 2186 }
2150 2187
2151 if (!loop_socket) 2188 if (!loop_socket)
2152 loop_socket = loop; 2189 loop_socket = loop;
2153 2190
2154 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2191 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2155 2192
2156 2193
2157=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2194=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2158 2195
2159Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2196Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2212 2249
2213=item queueing from a signal handler context 2250=item queueing from a signal handler context
2214 2251
2215To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2252To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2216handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2253handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2217some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2254some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2218 2255
2219 static ev_async mysig; 2256 static ev_async mysig;
2220 2257
2221 static void 2258 static void
2222 sigusr1_handler (void) 2259 sigusr1_handler (void)
2296=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2333=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2297 2334
2298Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2335Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2299an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2336an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2300C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2337C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2301similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2338similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2302section below on what exactly this means). 2339section below on what exactly this means).
2303 2340
2304This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2341This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2305so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2342so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2306calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2343calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2307 2344
2308=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2345=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2309 2346
2310Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2347Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2312event loop. 2349event loop.
2313 2350
2314C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2351C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2315the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2352the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2316it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2353it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2317quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2354quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2318 2355
2319Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2356Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2320wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2357whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2321 2358
2322=back 2359=back
2323 2360
2324 2361
2325=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2362=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2336or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2373or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2337more watchers yourself. 2374more watchers yourself.
2338 2375
2339If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2376If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2340is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2377is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2341C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2378C<events> set will be created and started.
2342 2379
2343If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2380If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2344started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2381started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2345repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2382repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2346dubious value. 2383dubious value.
2348The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2385The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2349passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2386passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2350C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2387C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2351value passed to C<ev_once>: 2388value passed to C<ev_once>:
2352 2389
2353 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2390 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2354 { 2391 {
2355 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2392 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2356 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2393 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2357 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2394 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2358 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2395 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2359 } 2396 }
2360 2397
2361 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2398 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2362 2399
2363=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2400=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2364 2401
2365Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2402Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2366had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2403had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2371Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2408Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2372the given events it. 2409the given events it.
2373 2410
2374=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2411=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2375 2412
2376Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2413Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2377loop!). 2414loop!).
2378 2415
2379=back 2416=back
2380 2417
2381 2418
2410=back 2447=back
2411 2448
2412=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2449=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2413 2450
2414Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2451Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2415you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2452you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2416the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2453the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2417 2454
2418To use it, 2455To use it,
2419 2456
2420 #include <ev++.h> 2457 #include <ev++.h>
2421 2458
2422This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2459This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2423of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2460of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2424put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2461put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2425options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2462options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2492your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2529your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2493thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2530thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2494 2531
2495Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2532Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2496 2533
2497 struct myclass 2534 struct myclass
2498 { 2535 {
2499 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2536 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2500 } 2537 }
2501 2538
2502 myclass obj; 2539 myclass obj;
2503 ev::io iow; 2540 ev::io iow;
2504 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2541 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2505 2542
2506=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2543=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2507 2544
2508Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2545Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2509callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2546callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2513 2550
2514See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2551See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2515 2552
2516Example: 2553Example:
2517 2554
2518 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2555 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2519 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2556 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2520 2557
2521=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2558=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2522 2559
2523Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2560Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2524do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2561do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2525 2562
2526=item w->set ([args]) 2563=item w->set ([arguments])
2527 2564
2528Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2565Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2529called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2566called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2530automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2567automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2531method. 2568method.
2532 2569
2533=item w->start () 2570=item w->start ()
2557=back 2594=back
2558 2595
2559Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2596Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2560the constructor. 2597the constructor.
2561 2598
2562 class myclass 2599 class myclass
2563 { 2600 {
2564 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2601 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2565 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2602 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2566 2603
2567 myclass (int fd) 2604 myclass (int fd)
2568 { 2605 {
2569 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2606 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2570 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2607 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2571 2608
2572 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2609 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2573 } 2610 }
2574 }; 2611 };
2575 2612
2576 2613
2577=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2614=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2578 2615
2579Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2616Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2580numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2617number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2581any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2618any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2582me a note. 2619me a note.
2583 2620
2584=over 4 2621=over 4
2585 2622
2589libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2626libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2590there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2627there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2591to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2628to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2592C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2629C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2593 2630
2594It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2631It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2595L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2632L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2596 2633
2634=item Python
2635
2636Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2637seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2638patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2639for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2640libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2641libev).
2642
2597=item Ruby 2643=item Ruby
2598 2644
2599Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2645Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2600of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2646of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2601more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2647more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2602L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2648L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2603 2649
2604=item D 2650=item D
2605 2651
2609=back 2655=back
2610 2656
2611 2657
2612=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2658=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2613 2659
2614Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2660Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2615of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2661of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2616functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2662functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2617 2663
2618To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2664To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2619following macros are defined: 2665following macros are defined:
2624 2670
2625This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2671This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2626loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2672loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2627C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2673C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2628 2674
2629 ev_unref (EV_A); 2675 ev_unref (EV_A);
2630 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2676 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2631 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2677 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2632 2678
2633It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2679It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2634which is often provided by the following macro. 2680which is often provided by the following macro.
2635 2681
2636=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2682=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2637 2683
2638This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2684This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2639loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2685loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2640C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2686C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2641 2687
2642 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2688 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2643 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2689 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2644 2690
2645 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2691 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2646 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2692 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2647 2693
2648It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2694It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2649suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2695suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2650 2696
2651=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2697=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2667 2713
2668Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2714Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2669macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2715macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2670or not. 2716or not.
2671 2717
2672 static void 2718 static void
2673 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2719 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2674 { 2720 {
2675 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2721 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2676 } 2722 }
2677 2723
2678 ev_check check; 2724 ev_check check;
2679 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2725 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2680 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2726 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2681 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2727 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2682 2728
2683=head1 EMBEDDING 2729=head1 EMBEDDING
2684 2730
2685Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2731Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2686applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2732applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2693libev somewhere in your source tree). 2739libev somewhere in your source tree).
2694 2740
2695=head2 FILESETS 2741=head2 FILESETS
2696 2742
2697Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2743Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2698in your app. 2744in your application.
2699 2745
2700=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2746=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2701 2747
2702To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2748To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2703configuration (no autoconf): 2749configuration (no autoconf):
2704 2750
2705 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2751 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2706 #include "ev.c" 2752 #include "ev.c"
2707 2753
2708This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2754This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2709single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2755single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2710it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2756it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2711done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2757done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2712where you can put other configuration options): 2758where you can put other configuration options):
2713 2759
2714 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2760 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2715 #include "ev.h" 2761 #include "ev.h"
2716 2762
2717Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2763Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2718compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2764compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2719as a bug). 2765as a bug).
2720 2766
2721You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2767You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2722in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2768in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2723 2769
2724 ev.h 2770 ev.h
2725 ev.c 2771 ev.c
2726 ev_vars.h 2772 ev_vars.h
2727 ev_wrap.h 2773 ev_wrap.h
2728 2774
2729 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2775 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2730 2776
2731 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2777 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2732 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2778 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2733 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2779 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2734 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2780 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2735 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2781 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2736 2782
2737F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2783F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2738to compile this single file. 2784to compile this single file.
2739 2785
2740=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2786=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2741 2787
2742To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2788To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2743 2789
2744 #include "event.c" 2790 #include "event.c"
2745 2791
2746in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2792in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2747 2793
2748 #include "event.h" 2794 #include "event.h"
2749 2795
2750in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2796in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2751 2797
2752You need the following additional files for this: 2798You need the following additional files for this:
2753 2799
2754 event.h 2800 event.h
2755 event.c 2801 event.c
2756 2802
2757=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2803=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2758 2804
2759Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2805Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2760whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2806whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2761F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2807F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2762include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2808include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2763 2809
2764For this of course you need the m4 file: 2810For this of course you need the m4 file:
2765 2811
2766 libev.m4 2812 libev.m4
2767 2813
2768=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2814=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2769 2815
2770Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2816Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2771define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of 2817define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2772autoconf is noted for every option. 2818autoconf is noted for every option.
2773 2819
2774=over 4 2820=over 4
2775 2821
2776=item EV_STANDALONE 2822=item EV_STANDALONE
2782F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2828F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2783 2829
2784=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2830=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2785 2831
2786If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2832If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2787monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2833monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2788of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2834of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2789usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2835usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2790the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2836the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2791to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2837to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2792function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2838function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2793 2839
2794=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2840=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2795 2841
2796If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2842If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2797realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2843real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2798runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2844runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2799be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2845be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2800(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2846(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2801note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2847note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2802 2848
2803=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2849=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
28142.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 28602.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2815 2861
2816=item EV_USE_SELECT 2862=item EV_USE_SELECT
2817 2863
2818If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2864If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2819C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2865C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2820other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2866other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2821will not be compiled in. 2867will not be compiled in.
2822 2868
2823=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2869=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2824 2870
2825If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2871If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2826structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2872structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2827C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2873C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2828exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2874exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2829low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2875low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2830allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2876allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2831influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2877influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2832 2878
2881otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2927otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2882backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2928backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2883 2929
2884=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2930=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2885 2931
2886reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2932Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2887 2933
2888=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2934=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2889 2935
2890If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2936If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2891interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2937interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2898access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2944access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2899type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2945type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2900that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2946that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2901as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2947as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2902 2948
2903In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2949In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2904(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2950(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2905 2951
2906=item EV_H 2952=item EV_H
2907 2953
2908The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2954The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2947When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 2993When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2948all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 2994all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2949and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 2995and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2950fine. 2996fine.
2951 2997
2952If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 2998If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2953C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 2999C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2954 3000
2955=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3001=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2956 3002
2957If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3003If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2958defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3004defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2986 3032
2987=item EV_MINIMAL 3033=item EV_MINIMAL
2988 3034
2989If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3035If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2990speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 3036speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2991inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. It also selects a 3037inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
2992much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3038much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2993 3039
2994=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3040=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2995 3041
2996C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3042C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3009=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3055=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3010 3056
3011Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3057Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3012timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 3058timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3013to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3059to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3014noticably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3060noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3015 3061
3016The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3062The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3017(disabled). 3063(disabled).
3018 3064
3019=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3065=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3021Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3067Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3022timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3068timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3023the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3069the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3024which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 3070which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3025but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 3071but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3026noticably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3072noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3027 3073
3028The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3074The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3029(disabled). 3075(disabled).
3076
3077=item EV_VERIFY
3078
3079Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3080be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3081in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3082called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3083called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3084verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3085libev considerably.
3086
3087The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3088C<0.>
3030 3089
3031=item EV_COMMON 3090=item EV_COMMON
3032 3091
3033By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3092By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3034this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3093this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3035members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3094members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3036though, and it must be identical each time. 3095though, and it must be identical each time.
3037 3096
3038For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3097For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3039 3098
3040 #define EV_COMMON \ 3099 #define EV_COMMON \
3041 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3100 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3042 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3101 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3043 3102
3044=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3103=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3045 3104
3046=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3105=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3047 3106
3054avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3113avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3055method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3114method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3056 3115
3057=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3116=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3058 3117
3059If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3118If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3060exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3119exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3061all public symbols, one per line: 3120all public symbols, one per line:
3062 3121
3063 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3122 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3064 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3123 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3065 3124
3066This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3125This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3067multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3126multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3068itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3127itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3069 3128
3070A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3129A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3071include before including F<ev.h>: 3130include before including F<ev.h>:
3072 3131
3073 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3132 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3090file. 3149file.
3091 3150
3092The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3151The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3093that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3152that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3094 3153
3095 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3154 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3096 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3155 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3097 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3156 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3098 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3157 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3099 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3158 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3100 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3159 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3101 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3160 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3102 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3161 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3103 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3162 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3104 3163
3105 #include "ev++.h" 3164 #include "ev++.h"
3106 3165
3107And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3166And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3108 3167
3109 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3168 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3110 #include "ev.c" 3169 #include "ev.c"
3111 3170
3112 3171
3113=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3172=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3114 3173
3115=head2 THREADS 3174=head2 THREADS
3116 3175
3117Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3176Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3118means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3177means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3119only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3178only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3120parameter. 3179parameter.
3121 3180
3122Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3181Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3129help you but by giving some generic advice: 3188help you but by giving some generic advice:
3130 3189
3131=over 4 3190=over 4
3132 3191
3133=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3192=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3134in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop. 3193in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3135 3194
3136This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3195This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3137themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3196themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3138 3197
3139=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3198=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3140 3199
3141Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3200Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3142exists, but it is always a good start. 3201exists, but it is always a good start.
3143 3202
3144=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3203=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3145loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion. 3204loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3146 3205
3147Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3206Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3148better than you currently do :-) 3207better than you currently do :-)
3149 3208
3150=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3209=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3151event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3210event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3152threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3211threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3153 3212
3154=back 3213=back
3155 3214
3156=head2 COROUTINES 3215=head2 COROUTINES
3157 3216
3158Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3217Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3159libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3218libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3160coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3219coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3161different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3220different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3162loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3221loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3163you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3222you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3211 3270
3212=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3271=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3213 3272
3214A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3273A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3215libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3274libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3216on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3275on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3217 3276
3218=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3277=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3219 3278
3220=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3279=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3221 3280
3228 3287
3229=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3288=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3230 3289
3231=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3290=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3232 3291
3233Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3292Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3234calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3293calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3235involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3294involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3236 3295
3237=back 3296=back
3238 3297
3239 3298
3240=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3299=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3241 3300
3242Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3301Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3243requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3302requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3244model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3303model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3245the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3304the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3252way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 3311way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3253 3312
3254There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3313There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3255embedding it into other applications. 3314embedding it into other applications.
3256 3315
3316Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3317accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3318either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3319so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3320megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3321available).
3322
3257Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3323Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3258the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3324the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3259is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3325is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3260more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 3326more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3261different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 3327different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3262notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 3328notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3263(microsoft monopoly games). 3329(Microsoft monopoly games).
3264 3330
3265=over 4 3331=over 4
3266 3332
3267=item The winsocket select function 3333=item The winsocket select function
3268 3334
3269The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3335The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3270socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3336requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3271very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3337also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3272to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3338requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles. See the
3273C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3339discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3274symbols for more info. 3340C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3275 3341
3276The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3342The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3277libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3343libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3278 3344
3279 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3345 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3280 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3346 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3281 3347
3282Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3348Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3283complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3349complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3284 3350
3285=item Limited number of file descriptors 3351=item Limited number of file descriptors
3286 3352
3287Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 3353Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3288 3354
3289Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 3355Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3290of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 3356of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3291can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft 3357can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3292recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 3358recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3293previous thread in each. Great). 3359previous thread in each. Great).
3294 3360
3295Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3361Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3296to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3362to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3297call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3363call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3298select emulation on windows). 3364select emulation on windows).
3299 3365
3300Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3366Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3301libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3367libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3302or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3368or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3303C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3369C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3304arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3370arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3305libraries. 3371libraries.
3306 3372
3307This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3373This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3308windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3374windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3309wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3375wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3316 3382
3317In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3383In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3318additional extensions: 3384additional extensions:
3319 3385
3320=over 4 3386=over 4
3387
3388=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3389calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3390
3391Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3392structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3393assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3394callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3395calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3321 3396
3322=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3397=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3323 3398
3324The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3399The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3325C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3400C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3357=back 3432=back
3358 3433
3359If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3434If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3360 3435
3361 3436
3437=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3438
3439Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3440lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3441scared by this.
3442
3443However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3444has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3445warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3446targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3447
3448Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3449workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3450maintainable.
3451
3452And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3453wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3454seems to warn about).
3455
3456While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3457"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3458with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3459them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3460warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3461
3462
3362=head1 VALGRIND 3463=head1 VALGRIND
3363 3464
3364Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3465Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3365highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret. 3466highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3366 3467
3369 3470
3370 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3471 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3371 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3472 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3372 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks. 3473 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3373 3474
3374then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3475Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3375valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it 3476valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3376might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool). 3477might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3377 3478
3378If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3479If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3379with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3480with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is

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