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Revision 1.157 by root, Tue May 20 23:49:41 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.195 by root, Mon Oct 20 17:50:48 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
193C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
194recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
195 216
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 218
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
199 220
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
229 } 250 }
230 251
231 ... 252 ...
232 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
233 254
234=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
235 256
236Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
237as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
238indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
239callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
240matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
241requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
242(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
243 264
244Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
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.
363
364This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
365C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
366C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
342 367
343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 368=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
344 369
345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
347limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
348considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
349i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
350performance tips. 375performance tips.
351 376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379
352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
353 381
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup. 388support for dup.
361 389
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
366very well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
367 395
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
369need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
370(or space) is available. 398(or space) is available.
371 399
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead.
375 405
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 407all kernel versions tested so far.
378 408
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 413
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
387system like NetBSD.
388 420
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
390only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 424
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 425It 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 426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 427course). 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 428cause 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 429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399 431
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 432This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 433
402While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
403everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
404almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
405(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
406(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
407sockets. 439using it only for sockets.
440
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>.
408 444
409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 445=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
410 446
411This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 447This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
412implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 448implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 453
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 454This 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)). 455it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 456
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 457Please 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 458notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 459blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 460
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 461While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 462file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 463descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better. 464might perform better.
429 465
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this 466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends.
470
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
433 473
434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
435 475
436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 476Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
437with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 477with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
439 479
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 481
442=back 482=back
443 483
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 484If 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 485backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 487
448The most typical usage is like this: 488Example: This is the most typical usage.
449 489
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 490 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 492
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 493Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 494environment settings to be taken into account:
455 495
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 496 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 497
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 498Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 499used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 500private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
501fds):
461 502
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 503 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 504
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 505=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 506
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 507Similar 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 508always 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 513libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 514default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
474 515
475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 516Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
476 517
477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 518 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 if (!epoller) 519 if (!epoller)
479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 520 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
480 521
481=item ev_default_destroy () 522=item ev_default_destroy ()
482 523
483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 524Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
484etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 525etc.). 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 526sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 528calling 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 529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
489for example). 530for example).
490 531
491Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
523 564
524=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 565=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
525 566
526Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 567Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
527C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 568C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
528after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 569after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
570entirely your own problem.
529 571
530=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 572=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
531 573
532Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 574Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
575otherwise.
533 576
534=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 577=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
535 578
536Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 579Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
537the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 580the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
552received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 595received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
553change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 596change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
554time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 597time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
555event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 598event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
556 599
600=item ev_now_update (loop)
601
602Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
603returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
604is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
605
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
607very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea.
609
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
611
557=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
558 613
559Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
560after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
561events. 616events.
563If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
564either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 619either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
565 620
566Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
567relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 622relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
568finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 623finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
569automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 624that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
570relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 625of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
626beauty.
571 627
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 628A 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 629those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
574case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 630process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
631the loop.
575 632
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 633A 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 634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
578your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
579one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
580external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop.
639
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
581libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 642own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
582usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 643usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
583 644
584Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 645Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
585 646
586 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 647 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
587 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 648 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
588 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 649 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
589 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 650 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
590 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 651 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
652 as to not disturb the other process.
591 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 653 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
592 - Update the "event loop time". 654 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
593 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 655 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
594 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 656 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
595 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 657 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
596 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 658 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
597 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 659 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
598 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 660 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
599 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
600 - Queue all outstanding timers. 662 - Queue all expired timers.
601 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 663 - Queue all expired periodics.
602 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 664 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
603 - Queue all check watchers. 665 - Queue all check watchers.
604 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 666 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
605 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 667 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
606 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 668 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
607 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 669 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
612anymore. 674anymore.
613 675
614 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 676 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
615 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 677 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
616 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 678 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
617 ... jobs done. yeah! 679 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
618 680
619=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 681=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
620 682
621Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 683Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
622has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 684has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
623C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
624C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
625 687
626This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
627 689
690It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
691
628=item ev_ref (loop) 692=item ev_ref (loop)
629 693
630=item ev_unref (loop) 694=item ev_unref (loop)
631 695
632Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 696Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
633loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 697loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
634count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 698count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
699
635a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 700If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
636returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 701from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
702stopping it.
703
637example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 704As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
638visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 705not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
639no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 706if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
640way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 707way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
641libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 708libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
642(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 709(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
643respectively). 710respectively).
644 711
645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 712Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
646running when nothing else is active. 713running when nothing else is active.
647 714
648 struct ev_signal exitsig; 715 struct ev_signal exitsig;
649 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 716 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
650 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 717 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
651 evf_unref (loop); 718 evf_unref (loop);
652 719
653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 720Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
654 721
655 ev_ref (loop); 722 ev_ref (loop);
656 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 723 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
657 724
658=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 725=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
659 726
660=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 727=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
661 728
662These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 729These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
663for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 730for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
664invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 731will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
732latency.
665 733
666Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 734Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
667allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 735allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
668increase efficiency of loop iterations. 736to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
737opportunities).
669 738
670The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 739The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
671handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 740one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
672the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 741program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
673events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 742events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
674overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 743overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
675 744
676By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 745By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
677time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 746time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
679C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 748C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
680introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 749introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
681 750
682Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 751Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
683to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 752to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
684latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 753latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
685will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 754later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
686any overhead in libev. 755value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
687 756
688Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 757Many (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 758interval 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 759interactive 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>, 760usually 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. 761as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
762
763Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
764saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
765are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
766times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
767reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
768they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
769
770=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
771
772This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
773compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
774through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
775is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
776error and call C<abort ()>.
777
778This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
779circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
780data structures consistent.
693 781
694=back 782=back
695 783
696 784
697=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 785=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
698 786
699A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 787A 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 788interest 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: 789become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
702 790
703 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 791 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
704 { 792 {
705 ev_io_stop (w); 793 ev_io_stop (w);
706 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 794 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
707 } 795 }
708 796
709 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 797 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
710 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 798 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
711 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 799 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
712 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 800 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
713 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 801 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
714 ev_loop (loop, 0); 802 ev_loop (loop, 0);
715 803
716As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 804As 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, 805watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
718although this can sometimes be quite valid). 806although this can sometimes be quite valid).
719 807
720Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 808Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
721(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 809(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
722callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 810callback 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 811watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
724is readable and/or writable). 812is readable and/or writable).
725 813
726Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 814Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
727with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 815with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
803 891
804The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 892The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
805 893
806=item C<EV_ERROR> 894=item C<EV_ERROR>
807 895
808An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 896An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
809happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 897happen 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 898ran 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 899problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
812with the watcher being stopped. 900with the watcher being stopped.
813 901
814Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 902Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
815for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 903example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
816your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 904callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
817with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 905the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
818programs, though, so beware. 906programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
907thing, so beware.
819 908
820=back 909=back
821 910
822=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 911=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
823 912
839(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 928(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
840 929
841The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 930The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
842int revents)>. 931int revents)>.
843 932
933Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
934
935 ev_io w;
936 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
937 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
938
844=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 939=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
845 940
846This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 941This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
847call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 942call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
848call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 943call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
850difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 945difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
851 946
852Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 947Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
853(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 948(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
854 949
950See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
951
855=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 952=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
856 953
857This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 954This 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 955calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
859a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 956a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
957
958Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
959
960 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
860 961
861=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 962=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
862 963
863Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 964Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
864events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 965events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
865 966
967Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
968whole section.
969
970 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
971
866=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 972=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
867 973
868Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 974Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
975the watcher was active or not).
976
869status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 977It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
870non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 978non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
871C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 979calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
872you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 980pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
873good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 981therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
874 982
875=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 983=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
876 984
877Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 985Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
878and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 986and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
926 1034
927=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1035=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
928 1036
929Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1037Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
930C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1038C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
931can deal with that fact. 1039can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1040callback.
932 1041
933=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1042=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
934 1043
935If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1044If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
936and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1045returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
937watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1046watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
938 1047
1048Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1049callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1050
939=back 1051=back
940 1052
941 1053
942=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1054=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
943 1055
944Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1056Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
945and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1057and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
946to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1058to 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 1059don'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 1060member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
949data: 1061data:
950 1062
951 struct my_io 1063 struct my_io
952 { 1064 {
953 struct ev_io io; 1065 struct ev_io io;
954 int otherfd; 1066 int otherfd;
955 void *somedata; 1067 void *somedata;
956 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1068 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
957 } 1069 };
1070
1071 ...
1072 struct my_io w;
1073 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
958 1074
959And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1075And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
960can cast it back to your own type: 1076can cast it back to your own type:
961 1077
962 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1078 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
963 { 1079 {
964 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1080 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
965 ... 1081 ...
966 } 1082 }
967 1083
968More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1084More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
969instead have been omitted. 1085instead have been omitted.
970 1086
971Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1087Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
972watchers: 1088embedded watchers:
973 1089
974 struct my_biggy 1090 struct my_biggy
975 { 1091 {
976 int some_data; 1092 int some_data;
977 ev_timer t1; 1093 ev_timer t1;
978 ev_timer t2; 1094 ev_timer t2;
979 } 1095 }
980 1096
981In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1097In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
982you need to use C<offsetof>: 1098complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1099in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1100some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1101programmers):
983 1102
984 #include <stddef.h> 1103 #include <stddef.h>
985 1104
986 static void 1105 static void
987 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1106 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
988 { 1107 {
989 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1108 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
990 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1109 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
991 } 1110 }
992 1111
993 static void 1112 static void
994 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1113 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
995 { 1114 {
996 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1115 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
997 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1116 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
998 } 1117 }
999 1118
1000 1119
1001=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1120=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1002 1121
1003This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1122This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1027In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1146In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1028fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1147fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1029descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1148descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1030required if you know what you are doing). 1149required if you know what you are doing).
1031 1150
1032If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1151If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1033(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1152known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1034C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1153C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1035 1154
1036Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1155Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1037receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1156receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1038be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1157be 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 1158because 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 1159lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1041this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1160this 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 1161it 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. 1162C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1044 1163
1045If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1164If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1046play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1165not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1047whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1166re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1048such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1167interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1049its own, so its quite safe to use). 1168does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1169use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1170indefinitely.
1171
1172But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1050 1173
1051=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1174=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1052 1175
1053Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1176Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1054descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1177descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1055such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1178such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1056descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1179descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1057this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1180this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1058registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1181registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1059fact, a different file descriptor. 1182fact, a different file descriptor.
1060 1183
1091enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1214enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1092C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1215C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1093 1216
1094=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1217=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1095 1218
1096While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1219While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1097when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1220when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1098gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1221sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1099programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1222this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1100undesirable.
1101 1223
1102So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1224So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1103ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1225ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1104somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1226somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1105 1227
1111=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1233=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1112 1234
1113=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1235=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1114 1236
1115Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1237Configures 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 1238receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1117C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1239C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1118 1240
1119=item int fd [read-only] 1241=item int fd [read-only]
1120 1242
1121The file descriptor being watched. 1243The file descriptor being watched.
1122 1244
1130 1252
1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1253Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1254readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1255attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1134 1256
1135 static void 1257 static void
1136 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1258 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1137 { 1259 {
1138 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1260 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1139 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1261 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1140 } 1262 }
1141 1263
1142 ... 1264 ...
1143 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1265 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1144 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1266 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1145 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1267 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1146 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1268 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1147 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1269 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1148 1270
1149 1271
1150=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1272=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1151 1273
1152Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1274Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1153given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1275given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1154 1276
1155The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1277The 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 1278times 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 1279year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1158detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1280detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1159monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1281monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1282
1283The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1284passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1285then order of execution is undefined.
1286
1287=head3 The special problem of time updates
1288
1289Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1290least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1291time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1292growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1293lots of events in one iteration.
1160 1294
1161The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1295The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1162time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1296time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1163of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1297of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1164you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1298you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1165on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1299timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1166 1300
1167 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1301 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1168 1302
1169The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1303If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1170but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1304update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1171order of execution is undefined. 1305()>.
1172 1306
1173=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1307=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174 1308
1175=over 4 1309=over 4
1176 1310
1195This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1329This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1196repeating. The exact semantics are: 1330repeating. The exact semantics are:
1197 1331
1198If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1332If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1199 1333
1200If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1334If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1201 1335
1202If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1336If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1203C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1337C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1204 1338
1205This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1339This 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 1340example: 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 1341timeout, 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 1342seconds 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 1343configure 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 1344C<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 1345you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1225 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1359 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1226 1360
1227This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1361This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1228you want to modify its timeout value. 1362you want to modify its timeout value.
1229 1363
1364Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1365time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1366callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1367some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1368timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1369
1230=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1370=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1231 1371
1232The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1372The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1233or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1373or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1234which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1374which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1235 1375
1236=back 1376=back
1237 1377
1238=head3 Examples 1378=head3 Examples
1239 1379
1240Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1380Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1241 1381
1242 static void 1382 static void
1243 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1383 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1244 { 1384 {
1245 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1385 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1246 } 1386 }
1247 1387
1248 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1388 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1249 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1389 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1250 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1390 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1251 1391
1252Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1392Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1253inactivity. 1393inactivity.
1254 1394
1255 static void 1395 static void
1256 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1396 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1257 { 1397 {
1258 .. ten seconds without any activity 1398 .. ten seconds without any activity
1259 } 1399 }
1260 1400
1261 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1401 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1262 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1402 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1263 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1403 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1264 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1404 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1265 1405
1266 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1406 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1267 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1407 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1268 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1408 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1269 1409
1270 1410
1271=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1411=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1272 1412
1273Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1413Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1274(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1414(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1275 1415
1276Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1416Unlike 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 1417but 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 1418to 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 () 1419periodic 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 1420+ 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 1421clock 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 1422to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1283roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1423roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1284 1424
1285C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1425C<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 1426such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1287complicated, rules. 1427complicated rules.
1288 1428
1289As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1429As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1290time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1430time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1291during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1431during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1292 1432
1293=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1433=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1294 1434
1295=over 4 1435=over 4
1296 1436
1297=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1437=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1298 1438
1299=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1439=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1300 1440
1301Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1441Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1302operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1442operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1303 1443
1304=over 4 1444=over 4
1305 1445
1306=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1446=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1307 1447
1308In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wallclock 1448In 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 1449time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1310jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1450jump 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. 1451only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1312 1452
1313=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1453=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1314 1454
1315In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1455In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1316C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1456C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1317and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1457and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1318 1458
1319This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1459This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1320time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on 1460system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1321the hour: 1461hour, on the hour:
1322 1462
1323 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1463 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1324 1464
1325This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1465This 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 1466but 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 1467full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1328by 3600. 1468by 3600.
1329 1469
1330Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1470Another 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 1471C<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. 1472time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1333 1473
1334For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1474For 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 1475C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1336this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1476this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1477
1478Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1479speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1480will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1481millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1337 1482
1338=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1483=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1339 1484
1340In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1485In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1341ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1486ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1408=back 1553=back
1409 1554
1410=head3 Examples 1555=head3 Examples
1411 1556
1412Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1557Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1413system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1558system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1414potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1559potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1415 1560
1416 static void 1561 static void
1417 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1562 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1418 { 1563 {
1419 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1564 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1420 } 1565 }
1421 1566
1422 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1567 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1423 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1568 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1424 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1569 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1425 1570
1426Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1571Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1427 1572
1428 #include <math.h> 1573 #include <math.h>
1429 1574
1430 static ev_tstamp 1575 static ev_tstamp
1431 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1576 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1432 { 1577 {
1433 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1578 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1434 } 1579 }
1435 1580
1436 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1581 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1437 1582
1438Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1583Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1439 1584
1440 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1585 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1441 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1586 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1442 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1587 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1443 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1588 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1444 1589
1445 1590
1446=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1591=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1447 1592
1448Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1593Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1449signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1594signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1450will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1595will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1451normal event processing, like any other event. 1596normal event processing, like any other event.
1452 1597
1598If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1599do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1600C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1601
1453You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1602You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1454first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1603first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1455with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1604with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1456as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1605you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1457watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1606the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1458SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1607signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1459 1608
1460If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1609If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1461C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1610C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1462interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1611interrupted. 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 1612signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1464them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1613them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1465 1614
1466=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1615=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1467 1616
1480 1629
1481=back 1630=back
1482 1631
1483=head3 Examples 1632=head3 Examples
1484 1633
1485Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1634Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1486 1635
1487 static void 1636 static void
1488 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1637 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1489 { 1638 {
1490 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1639 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1491 } 1640 }
1492 1641
1493 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1642 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1494 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1643 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1495 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1644 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1496 1645
1497 1646
1498=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1647=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1499 1648
1500Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1649Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1501some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1650some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1502is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1651exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1503forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1652has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1504loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1653as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1654forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1655but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1656not.
1505 1657
1506Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1658Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1507you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1659you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1508 1660
1509=head3 Process Interaction 1661=head3 Process Interaction
1510 1662
1511Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1663Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1512initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1664initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1513the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1665the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1514of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1666of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1515synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1667synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1516children, even ones not watched. 1668children, even ones not watched.
1517 1669
1518=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1670=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1522handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1674handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1523C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1675C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1524default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1676default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1525event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1677event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1526that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1678that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1679
1680=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1681
1682Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1683child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1684callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1685when a child exit is detected.
1527 1686
1528=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1687=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1529 1688
1530=over 4 1689=over 4
1531 1690
1560=head3 Examples 1719=head3 Examples
1561 1720
1562Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1721Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1563its completion. 1722its completion.
1564 1723
1565 ev_child cw; 1724 ev_child cw;
1566 1725
1567 static void 1726 static void
1568 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1727 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1569 { 1728 {
1570 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1729 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1571 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1730 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1572 } 1731 }
1573 1732
1574 pid_t pid = fork (); 1733 pid_t pid = fork ();
1575 1734
1576 if (pid < 0) 1735 if (pid < 0)
1577 // error 1736 // error
1578 else if (pid == 0) 1737 else if (pid == 0)
1579 { 1738 {
1580 // the forked child executes here 1739 // the forked child executes here
1581 exit (1); 1740 exit (1);
1582 } 1741 }
1583 else 1742 else
1584 { 1743 {
1585 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1744 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1586 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1745 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1587 } 1746 }
1588 1747
1589 1748
1590=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1749=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1591 1750
1592This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1751This 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 1752C<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. 1753compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1595 1754
1596The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1755The 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 1756not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1600the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1759the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1601 1760
1602The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1761The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1603relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1762relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1604 1763
1605Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1764Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1606calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1765implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1607can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1766it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1608a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1767this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1609unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1768then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1610five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1769you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1611impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1770dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1612usually overkill. 1771around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1613 1772
1614This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1773This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1615as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1774as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1616resource-intensive. 1775resource-intensive.
1617 1776
1618At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1777At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1619implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1778is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1620reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat 1779an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1621semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should 1780of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1622not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1623sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1624but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1625will be no polling.
1626 1781
1627=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1782=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1628 1783
1629Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1784Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1630compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1785compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1631disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1786support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1632structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1787structure. 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 1788use 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 1789compile 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 1790obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1636most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1791most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1637 1792
1638=head3 Inotify 1793The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1794file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1795optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1796to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1797default compilation environment.
1798
1799=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1639 1800
1640When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1801When 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 1802available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1642change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1803change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1643when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1804when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1644 1805
1645Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1806Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1646except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1807except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1647making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1808making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1648there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1809there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1810but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1649 1811
1650(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1812There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1651implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1813implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1652descriptor open on the object at all times). 1814descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1815etc. is difficult.
1653 1816
1654=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1817=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1655 1818
1656The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1819The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1657even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1820even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1658only support whole seconds. 1821only support whole seconds.
1659 1822
1660That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 1823That 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 1824easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1662calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 1825calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1663within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat 1826within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1664data does not change. 1827stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1665 1828
1666The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more 1829The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1667than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using 1830than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1668a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02); 1831a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1669ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). 1832ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1689C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1852C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1690be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1853be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1691a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1854a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1692path for as long as the watcher is active. 1855path for as long as the watcher is active.
1693 1856
1694The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative 1857The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1695to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change 1858relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1696was detected). 1859last change was detected).
1697 1860
1698=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1861=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1699 1862
1700Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1863Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1701watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid 1864watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1722 1885
1723The specified interval. 1886The specified interval.
1724 1887
1725=item const char *path [read-only] 1888=item const char *path [read-only]
1726 1889
1727The filesystem path that is being watched. 1890The file system path that is being watched.
1728 1891
1729=back 1892=back
1730 1893
1731=head3 Examples 1894=head3 Examples
1732 1895
1733Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1896Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1734 1897
1735 static void 1898 static void
1736 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1899 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1737 { 1900 {
1738 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1901 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1739 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1902 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1740 { 1903 {
1741 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1904 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1742 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1905 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1743 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1906 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1744 } 1907 }
1745 else 1908 else
1746 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1909 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1747 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1910 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1748 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1911 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1749 } 1912 }
1750 1913
1751 ... 1914 ...
1752 ev_stat passwd; 1915 ev_stat passwd;
1753 1916
1754 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1917 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1755 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1918 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1756 1919
1757Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1920Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1758miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1921miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1759one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1922one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1760C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1923C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1761 1924
1762 static ev_stat passwd; 1925 static ev_stat passwd;
1763 static ev_timer timer; 1926 static ev_timer timer;
1764 1927
1765 static void 1928 static void
1766 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1929 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1767 { 1930 {
1768 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1931 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1769 1932
1770 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1933 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1771 } 1934 }
1772 1935
1773 static void 1936 static void
1774 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1937 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1775 { 1938 {
1776 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1939 /* reset the one-second timer */
1777 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1940 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1778 } 1941 }
1779 1942
1780 ... 1943 ...
1781 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1944 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1782 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1945 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1783 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02); 1946 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1784 1947
1785 1948
1786=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1949=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1787 1950
1788Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1951Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1789priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 1952priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1790count). 1953as receiving "events").
1791 1954
1792That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 1955That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1793(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 1956(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1794triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 1957triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1795are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 1958are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1819=head3 Examples 1982=head3 Examples
1820 1983
1821Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1984Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1822callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1985callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1823 1986
1824 static void 1987 static void
1825 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1988 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1826 { 1989 {
1827 free (w); 1990 free (w);
1828 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1991 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1829 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1992 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1830 } 1993 }
1831 1994
1832 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1995 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1833 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1996 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1834 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1997 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1835 1998
1836 1999
1837=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2000=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1838 2001
1839Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2002Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1840prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2003prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1841afterwards. 2004afterwards.
1842 2005
1843You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2006You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1844the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2007the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1847those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2010those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1848C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2011C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1849called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2012called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1850 2013
1851Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2014Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1852their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2015their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1853variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2016variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1854coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2017coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1855you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2018you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1856in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2019in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1857watcher). 2020watcher).
1858 2021
1859This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2022This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1860to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2023need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1861them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2024for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1862provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2025libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1863any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2026you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1864and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2027of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1865callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2028I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1866because you never know, you know?). 2029nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1867 2030
1868As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2031As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1869coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2032coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1870during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2033during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1871are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2034are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1874loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2037loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1875low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2038low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1876 2039
1877It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2040It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1878priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2041priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2042after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2043
1879after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2044Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1880too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2045activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1881supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers 2046might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1882did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2047C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1883(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2048loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1884state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2049C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1885coexist peacefully with others). 2050others).
1886 2051
1887=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2052=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1888 2053
1889=over 4 2054=over 4
1890 2055
1892 2057
1893=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2058=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1894 2059
1895Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2060Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1896parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2061parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1897macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2062macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2063pointless.
1898 2064
1899=back 2065=back
1900 2066
1901=head3 Examples 2067=head3 Examples
1902 2068
1911and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2077and 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 2078is 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 2079priority 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. 2080the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1915 2081
1916 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2082 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1917 static ev_timer tw; 2083 static ev_timer tw;
1918 2084
1919 static void 2085 static void
1920 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2086 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1921 { 2087 {
1922 } 2088 }
1923 2089
1924 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2090 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1925 static void 2091 static void
1926 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2092 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1927 { 2093 {
1928 int timeout = 3600000; 2094 int timeout = 3600000;
1929 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2095 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1930 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2096 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1931 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2097 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1932 2098
1933 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2099 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1934 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2100 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1935 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2101 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1936 2102
1937 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2103 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1938 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2104 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1939 { 2105 {
1940 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2106 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1941 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2107 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1942 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2108 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1943 2109
1944 fds [i].revents = 0; 2110 fds [i].revents = 0;
1945 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2111 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1946 } 2112 }
1947 } 2113 }
1948 2114
1949 // stop all watchers after blocking 2115 // stop all watchers after blocking
1950 static void 2116 static void
1951 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2117 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1952 { 2118 {
1953 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2119 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1954 2120
1955 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2121 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1956 { 2122 {
1957 // set the relevant poll flags 2123 // set the relevant poll flags
1958 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2124 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1959 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2125 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1960 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2126 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1961 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2127 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1962 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2128 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1963 2129
1964 // now stop the watcher 2130 // now stop the watcher
1965 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2131 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1966 } 2132 }
1967 2133
1968 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2134 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1969 } 2135 }
1970 2136
1971Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2137Method 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. 2138in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1973 2139
1974Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2140Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1975notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2141notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1976callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2142callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1977 2143
1978 static void 2144 static void
1979 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2145 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1980 { 2146 {
1981 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2147 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1982 update_now (EV_A); 2148 update_now (EV_A);
1983 2149
1984 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2150 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1985 } 2151 }
1986 2152
1987 static void 2153 static void
1988 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2154 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1989 { 2155 {
1990 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2156 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1991 update_now (EV_A); 2157 update_now (EV_A);
1992 2158
1993 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2159 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1994 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2160 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1995 } 2161 }
1996 2162
1997 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2163 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1998 2164
1999Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2165Method 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 2166want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
2001their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2167override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
2002loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2168main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
2003this. 2169this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2170libglib event loop.
2004 2171
2005 static gint 2172 static gint
2006 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2173 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2007 { 2174 {
2008 int got_events = 0; 2175 int got_events = 0;
2009 2176
2010 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2177 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2011 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2178 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2012 2179
2013 if (timeout >= 0) 2180 if (timeout >= 0)
2014 // create/start timer 2181 // create/start timer
2015 2182
2016 // poll 2183 // poll
2017 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2184 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2018 2185
2019 // stop timer again 2186 // stop timer again
2020 if (timeout >= 0) 2187 if (timeout >= 0)
2021 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2188 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2022 2189
2023 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2190 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2024 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2191 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2025 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2192 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2026 2193
2027 return got_events; 2194 return got_events;
2028 } 2195 }
2029 2196
2030 2197
2031=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2198=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2032 2199
2033This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2200This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2039prioritise I/O. 2206prioritise I/O.
2040 2207
2041As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2208As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2042sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2209sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2043still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2210still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2044so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2211so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2045into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2212it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2046be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2213will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2047at least you can use both at what they are best. 2214C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2215best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2048 2216
2049As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2217As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2050to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2218some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2051priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2219and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2052you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2220this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2053a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2221the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2054 2222
2055As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2223As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2056there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2224there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2057call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2225call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2058their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2226their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2066interested in that. 2234interested in that.
2067 2235
2068Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2236Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2069when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2237when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2070but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2238but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2071yourself. 2239yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2240and future versions of libev might do just that.
2072 2241
2073Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2242Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2074C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2243C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2075portable one. 2244portable one.
2076 2245
2077So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2246So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2078that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2247that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2079this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2248this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2080create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2249create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2081 2250
2251=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2252
2253While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2254automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2255fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2256however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2257as applicable.
2258
2082=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2259=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2083 2260
2084=over 4 2261=over 4
2085 2262
2086=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2263=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2089 2266
2090Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2267Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2091embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2268embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2092invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2269invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2093to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2270to 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). 2271if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2095 2272
2096=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2273=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2097 2274
2098Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2275Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2099similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2276similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2100apropriate way for embedded loops. 2277appropriate way for embedded loops.
2101 2278
2102=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2279=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2103 2280
2104The embedded event loop. 2281The embedded event loop.
2105 2282
2107 2284
2108=head3 Examples 2285=head3 Examples
2109 2286
2110Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2287Example: 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 2288event 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 2289loop 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 2290C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2114used). 2291used).
2115 2292
2116 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2293 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2117 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2294 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2118 struct ev_embed embed; 2295 struct ev_embed embed;
2119 2296
2120 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2297 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2121 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2298 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2122 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2299 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2123 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2300 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2124 : 0; 2301 : 0;
2125 2302
2126 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2303 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2127 if (loop_lo) 2304 if (loop_lo)
2128 { 2305 {
2129 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2306 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2130 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2307 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2131 } 2308 }
2132 else 2309 else
2133 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2310 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2134 2311
2135Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2312Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2136a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2313a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2137kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2314kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2138C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2315C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2139 2316
2140 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2317 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2141 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2318 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2142 struct ev_embed embed; 2319 struct ev_embed embed;
2143 2320
2144 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2321 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2145 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2322 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2146 { 2323 {
2147 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2324 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2148 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2325 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2149 } 2326 }
2150 2327
2151 if (!loop_socket) 2328 if (!loop_socket)
2152 loop_socket = loop; 2329 loop_socket = loop;
2153 2330
2154 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2331 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2155 2332
2156 2333
2157=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2334=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2158 2335
2159Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2336Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2203is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2380is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2204multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2381multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2205need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2382need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2206 2383
2207That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2384That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2208queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2385queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2209queue: 2386queue:
2210 2387
2211=over 4 2388=over 4
2212 2389
2213=item queueing from a signal handler context 2390=item queueing from a signal handler context
2214 2391
2215To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2392To 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 2393handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2217some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2394an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2218 2395
2219 static ev_async mysig; 2396 static ev_async mysig;
2220 2397
2221 static void 2398 static void
2222 sigusr1_handler (void) 2399 sigusr1_handler (void)
2289 2466
2290=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2467=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2291 2468
2292Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2469Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2293kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2470kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2294believe me. 2471trust me.
2295 2472
2296=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2473=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2297 2474
2298Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2475Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2299an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2476an 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 2477C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2301similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2478similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2302section below on what exactly this means). 2479section below on what exactly this means).
2303 2480
2304This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2481This 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 2482so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2306calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2483calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2307 2484
2308=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2485=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2309 2486
2310Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2487Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2312event loop. 2489event loop.
2313 2490
2314C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2491C<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, 2492the 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 2493it 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. 2494quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2318 2495
2319Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2496Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2320wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2497whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2321 2498
2322=back 2499=back
2323 2500
2324 2501
2325=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2502=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2329=over 4 2506=over 4
2330 2507
2331=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2508=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2332 2509
2333This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2510This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2334callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2511callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2335watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2512watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2336or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2513or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2337more watchers yourself. 2514more watchers yourself.
2338 2515
2339If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2516If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2340is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2517C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2341C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2518the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2342 2519
2343If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2520If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2344started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2521started. 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 2522repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2346dubious value.
2347 2523
2348The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2524The 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 2525passed 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> 2526C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2351value passed to C<ev_once>: 2527value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2528a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2529events precedence.
2352 2530
2531Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2532
2353 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2533 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2354 { 2534 {
2355 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2356 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2357 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2535 if (revents & EV_READ)
2358 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2536 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2537 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2538 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2359 } 2539 }
2360 2540
2361 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2541 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2362 2542
2363=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2543=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2364 2544
2365Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2545Feeds 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 2546had 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 2551Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2372the given events it. 2552the given events it.
2373 2553
2374=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2554=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2375 2555
2376Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2556Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2377loop!). 2557loop!).
2378 2558
2379=back 2559=back
2380 2560
2381 2561
2410=back 2590=back
2411 2591
2412=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2592=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2413 2593
2414Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2594Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2415you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2595you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2416the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2596the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2417 2597
2418To use it, 2598To use it,
2419 2599
2420 #include <ev++.h> 2600 #include <ev++.h>
2421 2601
2422This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2602This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2423of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2603of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2424put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2604put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2425options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2605options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2492your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2672your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2493thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2673thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2494 2674
2495Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2675Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2496 2676
2497 struct myclass 2677 struct myclass
2498 { 2678 {
2499 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2679 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2500 } 2680 }
2501 2681
2502 myclass obj; 2682 myclass obj;
2503 ev::io iow; 2683 ev::io iow;
2504 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2684 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2505 2685
2506=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2686=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2507 2687
2508Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2688Also 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 2689callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2511 2691
2512The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2692The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2513 2693
2514See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2694See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2515 2695
2516Example: 2696Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2517 2697
2518 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2698 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2519 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2699 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2520 2700
2521=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2701=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2522 2702
2523Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2703Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2524do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2704do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2525 2705
2526=item w->set ([args]) 2706=item w->set ([arguments])
2527 2707
2528Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2708Basically 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 2709called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2530automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2710automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2531method. 2711method.
2532 2712
2533=item w->start () 2713=item w->start ()
2557=back 2737=back
2558 2738
2559Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2739Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2560the constructor. 2740the constructor.
2561 2741
2562 class myclass 2742 class myclass
2563 { 2743 {
2564 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2744 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2565 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2745 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2566 2746
2567 myclass (int fd) 2747 myclass (int fd)
2568 { 2748 {
2569 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2749 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2570 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2750 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2571 2751
2572 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2752 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2573 } 2753 }
2574 }; 2754 };
2575 2755
2576 2756
2577=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2757=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2578 2758
2579Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2759Libev 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 2760number 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 2761any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2582me a note. 2762me a note.
2583 2763
2584=over 4 2764=over 4
2585 2765
2586=item Perl 2766=item Perl
2587 2767
2588The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2768The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2589libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2769libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2590there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2770there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2591to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2771to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2592C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2772C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2773and C<EV::Glib>).
2593 2774
2594It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2775It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2595L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2776L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2596 2777
2778=item Python
2779
2780Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2781seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2782patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2783for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2784libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2785libev).
2786
2597=item Ruby 2787=item Ruby
2598 2788
2599Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2789Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2600of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2790of 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 2791more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2602L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2792L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2603 2793
2604=item D 2794=item D
2605 2795
2606Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2796Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2607be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2797be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2608 2798
2609=back 2799=back
2610 2800
2611 2801
2612=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2802=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2613 2803
2614Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2804Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2615of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2805of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2616functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2806functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2617 2807
2618To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2808To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2619following macros are defined: 2809following macros are defined:
2624 2814
2625This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2815This 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, 2816loop 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: 2817C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2628 2818
2629 ev_unref (EV_A); 2819 ev_unref (EV_A);
2630 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2820 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2631 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2821 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2632 2822
2633It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2823It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2634which is often provided by the following macro. 2824which is often provided by the following macro.
2635 2825
2636=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2826=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2637 2827
2638This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2828This 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, 2829loop 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: 2830C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2641 2831
2642 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2832 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2643 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2833 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2644 2834
2645 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2835 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2646 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2836 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2647 2837
2648It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2838It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2649suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2839suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2650 2840
2651=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2841=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2667 2857
2668Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2858Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2669macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2859macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2670or not. 2860or not.
2671 2861
2672 static void 2862 static void
2673 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2863 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2674 { 2864 {
2675 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2865 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2676 } 2866 }
2677 2867
2678 ev_check check; 2868 ev_check check;
2679 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2869 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2680 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2870 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2681 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2871 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2682 2872
2683=head1 EMBEDDING 2873=head1 EMBEDDING
2684 2874
2685Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2875Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2686applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2876applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2693libev somewhere in your source tree). 2883libev somewhere in your source tree).
2694 2884
2695=head2 FILESETS 2885=head2 FILESETS
2696 2886
2697Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2887Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2698in your app. 2888in your application.
2699 2889
2700=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2890=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2701 2891
2702To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2892To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2703configuration (no autoconf): 2893configuration (no autoconf):
2704 2894
2705 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2895 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2706 #include "ev.c" 2896 #include "ev.c"
2707 2897
2708This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2898This 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 2899single 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 2900it, 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 2901done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2712where you can put other configuration options): 2902where you can put other configuration options):
2713 2903
2714 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2904 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2715 #include "ev.h" 2905 #include "ev.h"
2716 2906
2717Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2907Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2718compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2908compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2719as a bug). 2909as a bug).
2720 2910
2721You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2911You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2722in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2912in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2723 2913
2724 ev.h 2914 ev.h
2725 ev.c 2915 ev.c
2726 ev_vars.h 2916 ev_vars.h
2727 ev_wrap.h 2917 ev_wrap.h
2728 2918
2729 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2919 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2730 2920
2731 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2921 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) 2922 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) 2923 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) 2924 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) 2925 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2736 2926
2737F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2927F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2738to compile this single file. 2928to compile this single file.
2739 2929
2740=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2930=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2741 2931
2742To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2932To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2743 2933
2744 #include "event.c" 2934 #include "event.c"
2745 2935
2746in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2936in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2747 2937
2748 #include "event.h" 2938 #include "event.h"
2749 2939
2750in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2940in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2751 2941
2752You need the following additional files for this: 2942You need the following additional files for this:
2753 2943
2754 event.h 2944 event.h
2755 event.c 2945 event.c
2756 2946
2757=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2947=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2758 2948
2759Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2949Instead 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 2950whatever 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 2951F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2762include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2952include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2763 2953
2764For this of course you need the m4 file: 2954For this of course you need the m4 file:
2765 2955
2766 libev.m4 2956 libev.m4
2767 2957
2768=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2958=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2769 2959
2770Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2960Libev 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 2961define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2772autoconf is noted for every option. 2962autoconf is documented for every option.
2773 2963
2774=over 4 2964=over 4
2775 2965
2776=item EV_STANDALONE 2966=item EV_STANDALONE
2777 2967
2782F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2972F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2783 2973
2784=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2974=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2785 2975
2786If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2976If 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 2977monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2788of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2978of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2789usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2979usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2790the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2980the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2791to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2981to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2792function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2982function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2793 2983
2794=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2984=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2795 2985
2796If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2986If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2797realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2987real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2798runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2988runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2799be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2989be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2800(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2990(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2801note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2991note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2802 2992
2803=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2993=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
28142.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 30042.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2815 3005
2816=item EV_USE_SELECT 3006=item EV_USE_SELECT
2817 3007
2818If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3008If 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 3009C<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 3010other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2821will not be compiled in. 3011will not be compiled in.
2822 3012
2823=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3013=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2824 3014
2825If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3015If 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 3016structure. 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 3017C<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 3018exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2829low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3019low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2830allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3020allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2831influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3021influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2832 3022
2881otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3071otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2882backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3072backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2883 3073
2884=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3074=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2885 3075
2886reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3076Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2887 3077
2888=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3078=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2889 3079
2890If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3080If 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 3081interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2898access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3088access 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 3089type 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" 3090that 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. 3091as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2902 3092
2903In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3093In 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. 3094(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2905 3095
2906=item EV_H 3096=item EV_H
2907 3097
2908The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3098The 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 3137When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2948all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3138all 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 3139and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2950fine. 3140fine.
2951 3141
2952If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3142If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2953C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3143both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2954 3144
2955=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3145=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2956 3146
2957If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3147If 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 3148defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2965code. 3155code.
2966 3156
2967=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3157=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2968 3158
2969If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3159If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2970defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3160defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3161watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2971 3162
2972=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3163=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2973 3164
2974If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3165If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2975defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3166defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2986 3177
2987=item EV_MINIMAL 3178=item EV_MINIMAL
2988 3179
2989If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3180If 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 3181speed, 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 3182inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
2992much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3183much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2993 3184
2994=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3185=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2995 3186
2996C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3187C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3007two). 3198two).
3008 3199
3009=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3200=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3010 3201
3011Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3202Heaps 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 3203timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3013to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3204to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3014noticably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3205faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3015 3206
3016The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3207The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3017(disabled). 3208(disabled).
3018 3209
3019=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3210=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3020 3211
3021Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3212Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3022timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3213timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3023the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3214the 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, 3215which 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 3216but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3026noticably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3217noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3027 3218
3028The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3219The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3029(disabled). 3220(disabled).
3221
3222=item EV_VERIFY
3223
3224Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3225be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3226in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3227called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3228called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3229verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3230libev considerably.
3231
3232The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3233C<0>.
3030 3234
3031=item EV_COMMON 3235=item EV_COMMON
3032 3236
3033By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3237By 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 3238this 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, 3239members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3036though, and it must be identical each time. 3240though, and it must be identical each time.
3037 3241
3038For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3242For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3039 3243
3040 #define EV_COMMON \ 3244 #define EV_COMMON \
3041 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3245 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3042 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3246 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3043 3247
3044=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3248=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3045 3249
3046=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3250=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3047 3251
3052definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3256definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3053their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3257their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3054avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3258avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3055method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3259method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3056 3260
3261=back
3262
3057=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3263=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3058 3264
3059If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3265If 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 3266exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3061all public symbols, one per line: 3267all public symbols, one per line:
3062 3268
3063 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3269 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3064 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3270 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3065 3271
3066This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3272This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3067multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3273multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3068itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3274itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3069 3275
3070A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3276A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3071include before including F<ev.h>: 3277include before including F<ev.h>:
3072 3278
3073 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3279 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3090file. 3296file.
3091 3297
3092The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3298The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3093that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3299that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3094 3300
3095 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3301 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3096 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3302 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3097 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3303 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3098 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3304 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3099 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3305 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3100 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3306 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3101 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3307 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3102 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3308 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3103 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3309 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3104 3310
3105 #include "ev++.h" 3311 #include "ev++.h"
3106 3312
3107And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3313And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3108 3314
3109 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3315 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3110 #include "ev.c" 3316 #include "ev.c"
3111 3317
3318=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3112 3319
3113=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3320=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3114 3321
3115=head2 THREADS 3322=head3 THREADS
3116 3323
3117Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3324All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3325documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3118means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3326that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3119only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3327are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3120parameter. 3328parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3329of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3330structures that need any locking.
3121 3331
3122Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3332Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3123parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3333concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3124done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3334must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3125thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3335only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3126per loop). 3336a mutex per loop).
3127 3337
3128If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot 3338Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3339so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3340concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3341outside".
3342
3343If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3344without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3129help you but by giving some generic advice: 3345help you, but here is some generic advice:
3130 3346
3131=over 4 3347=over 4
3132 3348
3133=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3349=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. 3350in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3135 3351
3136This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3352This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3137themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3353themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3138 3354
3139=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3355=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3140 3356
3141Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3357Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3142exists, but it is always a good start. 3358exists, but it is always a good start.
3143 3359
3144=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3360=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. 3361loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3146 3362
3147Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3363Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3148better than you currently do :-) 3364better than you currently do :-)
3149 3365
3150=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3366=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3367event loop.
3368
3151event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3369C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3152threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3370(or from signal contexts...).
3371
3372An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3373work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3374default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3375watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3153 3376
3154=back 3377=back
3155 3378
3156=head2 COROUTINES 3379=head3 COROUTINES
3157 3380
3158Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3381Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3159libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3382libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3160coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3383coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3161different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3384different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3162loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3385loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3163you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3386you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3164 3387
3165Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 3388Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3166state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 3389C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3167switches. 3390they do not clal any callbacks.
3168 3391
3392=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3169 3393
3170=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3394Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3395lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3396scared by this.
3171 3397
3172In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3398However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3173libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3399has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3174documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3400warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3401targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3175 3402
3176All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3403Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3177extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3404workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3178happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3405maintainable.
3179mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3180it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3181 3406
3182=over 4 3407And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3408wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3409seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3410warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3411been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3412such buggy versions.
3183 3413
3184=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3414While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3415"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3416with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3417them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3418warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3185 3419
3186This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3187there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3188have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3189 3420
3190=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3421=head2 VALGRIND
3191 3422
3192That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3423Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3193as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3424highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3194 3425
3195=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3426If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3427in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3196 3428
3197These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3429 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3430 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3431 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3198 3432
3199=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3433Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3434is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3200 3435
3201=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3436Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3437as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3438although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3439confused.
3202 3440
3203These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3441Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3204correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3442make it into some kind of religion.
3205have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3206 3443
3207=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3444If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3445with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3446is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3447annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3448of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3208 3449
3209By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3450If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3210fixed position in the storage array. 3451I suggest using suppression lists.
3211 3452
3212=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3213 3453
3214A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3454=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3215libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3216on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3217 3455
3218=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3456=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3219
3220=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3221
3222Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3223priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3224linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3225watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3226
3227=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3228
3229=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3230
3231=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3232
3233Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3234calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3235involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3236
3237=back
3238
3239
3240=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3241 3457
3242Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3458Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3243requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3459requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3244model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3460model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3245the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3461the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3252way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 3468way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3253 3469
3254There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3470There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3255embedding it into other applications. 3471embedding it into other applications.
3256 3472
3473Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3474accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3475either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3476so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3477megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3478available).
3479
3257Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3480Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3258the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3481the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3259is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3482is 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 3483more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3261different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 3484different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3262notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 3485notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3263(microsoft monopoly games). 3486(Microsoft monopoly games).
3487
3488A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3489section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3490of F<ev.h>:
3491
3492 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3493 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3494
3495 #include "ev.h"
3496
3497And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3498you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3499
3500 #include "evwrap.h"
3501 #include "ev.c"
3264 3502
3265=over 4 3503=over 4
3266 3504
3267=item The winsocket select function 3505=item The winsocket select function
3268 3506
3269The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3507The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3270socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3508requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3271very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3509also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3272to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3510requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3273C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3511C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3274symbols for more info. 3512discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3513C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3275 3514
3276The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3515The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3277libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3516libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3278 3517
3279 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3518 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3280 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3519 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3281 3520
3282Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3521Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3283complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3522complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3284 3523
3285=item Limited number of file descriptors 3524=item Limited number of file descriptors
3286 3525
3287Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 3526Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3288 3527
3289Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 3528Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3290of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 3529of 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 3530can 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 3531recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3293previous thread in each. Great). 3532previous thread in each. Great).
3294 3533
3295Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3534Newer 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 3535to 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 3536call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3298select emulation on windows). 3537select emulation on windows).
3299 3538
3300Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3539Another 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 3540libraries, 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 3541or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3303C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3542C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3304arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3543arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3305libraries. 3544libraries.
3306 3545
3307This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3546This 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 3547windows 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 3548wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3310calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3549calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3311 3550
3312=back 3551=back
3313 3552
3314
3315=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3553=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3316 3554
3317In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3555In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3318additional extensions: 3556backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3319 3557
3320=over 4 3558=over 4
3321 3559
3560=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3561calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3562
3563Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3564structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3565assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3566callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3567calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3568
3322=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3569=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3323 3570
3324The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3571The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3325C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3572C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3326threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3573threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3327believed to be sufficiently portable. 3574believed to be sufficiently portable.
3328 3575
3329=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3576=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3330 3577
3339except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3586except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3340well. 3587well.
3341 3588
3342=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3589=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3343 3590
3344To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3591To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3345internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3592instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3346non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3593systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3347is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3594least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3348millions of watchers. 3595watchers.
3349 3596
3350=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3597=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3351 3598
3352The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3599The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3353have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 3600have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3357=back 3604=back
3358 3605
3359If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3606If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3360 3607
3361 3608
3362=head1 VALGRIND 3609=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3363 3610
3364Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3611In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3365highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret. 3612libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3613the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3366 3614
3367If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3615All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3368in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like: 3616extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3617happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3618mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3619average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3369 3620
3370 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3621=over 4
3371 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3372 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3373 3622
3374then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3623=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3375valgrind 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).
3377 3624
3378If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3625This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3379with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3626there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3380a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3627have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3381no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3382properly.
3383 3628
3384If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3629=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3385I suggest using suppression lists. 3630
3631That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3632as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3633
3634=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3635
3636These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3637
3638=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3639
3640=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3641
3642These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3643correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3644have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3645is rare).
3646
3647=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3648
3649By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3650fixed position in the storage array.
3651
3652=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3653
3654A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3655libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3656on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3657
3658=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3659
3660=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3661
3662Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3663priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3664linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3665watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3666
3667=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3668
3669=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3670
3671=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3672
3673Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3674calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3675involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3676
3677=back
3386 3678
3387 3679
3388=head1 AUTHOR 3680=head1 AUTHOR
3389 3681
3390Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3682Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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