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Revision 1.158 by root, Wed May 21 12:51:38 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.197 by root, Tue Oct 21 20:52:30 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
899problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
900
811problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 901You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
812with the watcher being stopped. 902watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
903an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
904bug in your program.
813 905
814Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 906Libev 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 907example 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 908callbacks 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 909the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
818programs, though, so beware. 910programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
911thing, so beware.
819 912
820=back 913=back
821 914
822=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 915=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
823 916
839(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 932(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
840 933
841The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 934The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
842int revents)>. 935int revents)>.
843 936
937Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
938
939 ev_io w;
940 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
941 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
942
844=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 943=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
845 944
846This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 945This 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 946call 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 947call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
850difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 949difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
851 950
852Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 951Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
853(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 952(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
854 953
954See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
955
855=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 956=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
856 957
857This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 958This 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 959calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
859a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 960a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
961
962Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
963
964 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
860 965
861=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 966=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
862 967
863Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 968Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
864events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 969events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
865 970
971Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
972whole section.
973
974 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
975
866=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 976=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
867 977
868Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 978Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
979the watcher was active or not).
980
869status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 981It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
870non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 982non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
871C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 983calling 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 984pending. 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. 985therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
874 986
875=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 987=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
876 988
877Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 989Returns 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 990and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
926 1038
927=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1039=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
928 1040
929Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1041Invoke 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 1042C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
931can deal with that fact. 1043can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1044callback.
932 1045
933=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1046=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
934 1047
935If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1048If 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 1049returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
937watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1050watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
938 1051
1052Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1053callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1054
939=back 1055=back
940 1056
941 1057
942=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1058=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
943 1059
944Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1060Each 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 1061and 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 1062to 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 1063don'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 1064member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
949data: 1065data:
950 1066
951 struct my_io 1067 struct my_io
952 { 1068 {
953 struct ev_io io; 1069 struct ev_io io;
954 int otherfd; 1070 int otherfd;
955 void *somedata; 1071 void *somedata;
956 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1072 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
957 } 1073 };
1074
1075 ...
1076 struct my_io w;
1077 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
958 1078
959And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1079And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
960can cast it back to your own type: 1080can cast it back to your own type:
961 1081
962 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1082 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
963 { 1083 {
964 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1084 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
965 ... 1085 ...
966 } 1086 }
967 1087
968More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1088More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
969instead have been omitted. 1089instead have been omitted.
970 1090
971Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1091Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
972watchers: 1092embedded watchers:
973 1093
974 struct my_biggy 1094 struct my_biggy
975 { 1095 {
976 int some_data; 1096 int some_data;
977 ev_timer t1; 1097 ev_timer t1;
978 ev_timer t2; 1098 ev_timer t2;
979 } 1099 }
980 1100
981In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1101In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
982you need to use C<offsetof>: 1102complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1103in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1104some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1105programmers):
983 1106
984 #include <stddef.h> 1107 #include <stddef.h>
985 1108
986 static void 1109 static void
987 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1110 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
988 { 1111 {
989 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1112 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
990 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1113 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
991 } 1114 }
992 1115
993 static void 1116 static void
994 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1117 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
995 { 1118 {
996 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1119 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
997 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1120 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
998 } 1121 }
999 1122
1000 1123
1001=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1124=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1002 1125
1003This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1126This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1027In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1150In 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 1151fd 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 1152descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1030required if you know what you are doing). 1153required if you know what you are doing).
1031 1154
1032If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1155If 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 1156known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1034C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1157C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1035 1158
1036Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1159Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1037receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1160receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1038be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1161be 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 1162because 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 1163lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1041this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1164this 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 1165it 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. 1166C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1044 1167
1045If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1168If 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 1169not 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 1170re-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 1171interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1049its own, so its quite safe to use). 1172does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1173use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1174indefinitely.
1175
1176But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1050 1177
1051=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1178=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1052 1179
1053Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1180Some 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, 1181descriptor (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 1182such 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 1183descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1057this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1184this 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 1185registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1059fact, a different file descriptor. 1186fact, a different file descriptor.
1060 1187
1091enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1218enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1092C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1219C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1093 1220
1094=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1221=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1095 1222
1096While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1223While 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 1224when 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 1225sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1099programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1226this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1100undesirable.
1101 1227
1102So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1228So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1103ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1229ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1104somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1230somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1105 1231
1111=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1237=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1112 1238
1113=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1239=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1114 1240
1115Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1241Configures 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 1242receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1117C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1243C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1118 1244
1119=item int fd [read-only] 1245=item int fd [read-only]
1120 1246
1121The file descriptor being watched. 1247The file descriptor being watched.
1122 1248
1130 1256
1131Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1257Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1132readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1258readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1133attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1259attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1134 1260
1135 static void 1261 static void
1136 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1262 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1137 { 1263 {
1138 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1264 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1139 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1265 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1140 } 1266 }
1141 1267
1142 ... 1268 ...
1143 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1269 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1144 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1270 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1145 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1271 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1146 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1272 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1147 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1273 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1148 1274
1149 1275
1150=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1276=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1151 1277
1152Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1278Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1153given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1279given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1154 1280
1155The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1281The 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 1282times 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 1283year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1158detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1284detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1159monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1285monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1286
1287The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1288passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1289then order of execution is undefined.
1290
1291=head3 The special problem of time updates
1292
1293Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1294least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1295time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1296growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1297lots of events in one iteration.
1160 1298
1161The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1299The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1162time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1300time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1163of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1301of 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 1302you 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: 1303timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1166 1304
1167 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1305 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1168 1306
1169The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1307If 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 1308update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1171order of execution is undefined. 1309()>.
1172 1310
1173=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1311=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1174 1312
1175=over 4 1313=over 4
1176 1314
1195This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1333This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1196repeating. The exact semantics are: 1334repeating. The exact semantics are:
1197 1335
1198If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1336If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1199 1337
1200If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1338If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1201 1339
1202If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1340If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1203C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1341C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1204 1342
1205This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1343This 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 1344example: 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 1345timeout, 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 1346seconds 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 1347configure 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 1348C<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 1349you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1225 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1363 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1226 1364
1227This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1365This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1228you want to modify its timeout value. 1366you want to modify its timeout value.
1229 1367
1368Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1369time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1370callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1371some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1372timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1373
1230=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1374=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1231 1375
1232The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1376The 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), 1377or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1234which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1378which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1235 1379
1236=back 1380=back
1237 1381
1238=head3 Examples 1382=head3 Examples
1239 1383
1240Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1384Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1241 1385
1242 static void 1386 static void
1243 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1387 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1244 { 1388 {
1245 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1389 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1246 } 1390 }
1247 1391
1248 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1392 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1249 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1393 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1250 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1394 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1251 1395
1252Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1396Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1253inactivity. 1397inactivity.
1254 1398
1255 static void 1399 static void
1256 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1400 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1257 { 1401 {
1258 .. ten seconds without any activity 1402 .. ten seconds without any activity
1259 } 1403 }
1260 1404
1261 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1405 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1262 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1406 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1263 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1407 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1264 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1408 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1265 1409
1266 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1410 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1267 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1411 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1268 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1412 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1269 1413
1270 1414
1271=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1415=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1272 1416
1273Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1417Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1274(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1418(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1275 1419
1276Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1420Unlike 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 1421but 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 1422to 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 () 1423periodic 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 1424+ 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 1425clock 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 1426to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1283roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1427roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1284 1428
1285C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1429C<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 1430such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1287complicated, rules. 1431complicated rules.
1288 1432
1289As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1433As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1290time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1434time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1291during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1435during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1292 1436
1293=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1437=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1294 1438
1295=over 4 1439=over 4
1296 1440
1297=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1441=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1298 1442
1299=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1443=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1300 1444
1301Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1445Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1302operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1446operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1303 1447
1304=over 4 1448=over 4
1305 1449
1306=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1450=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1307 1451
1308In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wallclock 1452In 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 1453time 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 1454jump 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. 1455only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1312 1456
1313=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1457=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1314 1458
1315In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1459In 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) 1460C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1317and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1461and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1318 1462
1319This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1463This 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 1464system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1321the hour: 1465hour, on the hour:
1322 1466
1323 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1467 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1324 1468
1325This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1469This 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 1470but 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 1471full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1328by 3600. 1472by 3600.
1329 1473
1330Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1474Another 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 1475C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1333 1477
1334For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1478For 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 1479C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1336this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1480this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1337 1481
1338Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (cpu 1482Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1339speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 1483speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1340will of course detoriate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 1484will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1341millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 1485millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1342 1486
1343=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1487=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1344 1488
1345In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1489In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1413=back 1557=back
1414 1558
1415=head3 Examples 1559=head3 Examples
1416 1560
1417Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1561Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1418system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1562system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1419potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1563potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1420 1564
1421 static void 1565 static void
1422 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1566 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1423 { 1567 {
1424 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1568 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1425 } 1569 }
1426 1570
1427 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1571 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1428 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1572 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1429 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1573 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1430 1574
1431Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1575Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1432 1576
1433 #include <math.h> 1577 #include <math.h>
1434 1578
1435 static ev_tstamp 1579 static ev_tstamp
1436 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1580 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1437 { 1581 {
1438 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1582 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1439 } 1583 }
1440 1584
1441 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1585 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1442 1586
1443Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1587Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1444 1588
1445 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1589 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1446 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1590 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1447 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1591 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1448 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1592 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1449 1593
1450 1594
1451=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1595=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1452 1596
1453Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1597Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1454signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1598signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1455will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1599will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1456normal event processing, like any other event. 1600normal event processing, like any other event.
1457 1601
1602If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1603do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1604C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1605
1458You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1606You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1459first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1607first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1460with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1608with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1461as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1609you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1462watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1610the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1463SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1611signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1464 1612
1465If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1613If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1466C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1614C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1467interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1615interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1468signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1616signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1469them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1617them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1470 1618
1471=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1619=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1472 1620
1485 1633
1486=back 1634=back
1487 1635
1488=head3 Examples 1636=head3 Examples
1489 1637
1490Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1638Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1491 1639
1492 static void 1640 static void
1493 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1641 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1494 { 1642 {
1495 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1643 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1496 } 1644 }
1497 1645
1498 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1646 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1499 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1647 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1500 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1648 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1501 1649
1502 1650
1503=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1651=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1504 1652
1505Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1653Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1506some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1654some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1507is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1655exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1508forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1656has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1509loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1657as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1658forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1659but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1660not.
1510 1661
1511Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1662Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1512you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1663you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1513 1664
1514=head3 Process Interaction 1665=head3 Process Interaction
1515 1666
1516Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1667Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1517initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1668initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1518the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1669the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1519of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1670of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1520synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1671synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1521children, even ones not watched. 1672children, even ones not watched.
1522 1673
1523=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1674=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1527handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1678handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1528C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1679C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1529default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1680default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1530event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1681event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1531that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1682that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1683
1684=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1685
1686Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1687child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1688callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1689when a child exit is detected.
1532 1690
1533=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1691=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1534 1692
1535=over 4 1693=over 4
1536 1694
1565=head3 Examples 1723=head3 Examples
1566 1724
1567Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1725Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1568its completion. 1726its completion.
1569 1727
1570 ev_child cw; 1728 ev_child cw;
1571 1729
1572 static void 1730 static void
1573 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1731 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1574 { 1732 {
1575 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1733 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1576 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1734 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1577 } 1735 }
1578 1736
1579 pid_t pid = fork (); 1737 pid_t pid = fork ();
1580 1738
1581 if (pid < 0) 1739 if (pid < 0)
1582 // error 1740 // error
1583 else if (pid == 0) 1741 else if (pid == 0)
1584 { 1742 {
1585 // the forked child executes here 1743 // the forked child executes here
1586 exit (1); 1744 exit (1);
1587 } 1745 }
1588 else 1746 else
1589 { 1747 {
1590 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1748 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1591 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1749 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1592 } 1750 }
1593 1751
1594 1752
1595=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1753=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1596 1754
1597This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1755This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1598C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1756C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1599compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1757compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1600 1758
1601The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1759The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1602not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1760not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1605the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1763the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1606 1764
1607The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1765The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1608relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1766relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1609 1767
1610Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1768Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1611calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1769implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1612can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1770it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1613a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1771this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1614unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1772then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1615five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1773you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1616impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1774dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1617usually overkill. 1775around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1618 1776
1619This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1777This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1620as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1778as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1621resource-intensive. 1779resource-intensive.
1622 1780
1623At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1781At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1624implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1782is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1625reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat 1783an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1626semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should 1784of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1627not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1628sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1629but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1630will be no polling.
1631 1785
1632=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1786=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1633 1787
1634Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1788Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1635compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1789compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1636disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1790support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1637structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1791structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1638use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1792use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1639compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1793compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1640obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1794obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1641most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1795most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1642 1796
1643=head3 Inotify 1797The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1798file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1799optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1800to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1801default compilation environment.
1644 1802
1803=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1804
1645When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1805When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1806only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1646available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1807implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1647change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1808change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1648when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1809lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1649 1810
1650Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1811Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1651except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1812except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1652making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1813making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1653there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1814there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1815but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1654 1816
1655(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1817There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1656implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1818implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1657descriptor open on the object at all times). 1819descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1820etc. is difficult.
1658 1821
1659=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1822=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1660 1823
1661The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1824The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1662even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1825even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1663only support whole seconds. 1826only support whole seconds.
1664 1827
1665That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 1828That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1666easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 1829easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1667calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 1830calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1668within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat 1831within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1669data does not change. 1832stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1670 1833
1671The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more 1834The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1672than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using 1835than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1673a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02); 1836a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1674ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). 1837ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1694C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1857C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1695be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1858be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1696a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1859a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1697path for as long as the watcher is active. 1860path for as long as the watcher is active.
1698 1861
1699The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative 1862The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1700to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change 1863relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1701was detected). 1864last change was detected).
1702 1865
1703=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1866=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1704 1867
1705Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1868Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1706watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid 1869watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1727 1890
1728The specified interval. 1891The specified interval.
1729 1892
1730=item const char *path [read-only] 1893=item const char *path [read-only]
1731 1894
1732The filesystem path that is being watched. 1895The file system path that is being watched.
1733 1896
1734=back 1897=back
1735 1898
1736=head3 Examples 1899=head3 Examples
1737 1900
1738Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1901Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1739 1902
1740 static void 1903 static void
1741 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1904 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1742 { 1905 {
1743 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1906 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1744 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1907 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1745 { 1908 {
1746 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1909 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1747 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1910 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1748 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1911 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1749 } 1912 }
1750 else 1913 else
1751 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1914 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1752 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1915 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1753 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1916 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1754 } 1917 }
1755 1918
1756 ... 1919 ...
1757 ev_stat passwd; 1920 ev_stat passwd;
1758 1921
1759 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1922 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1760 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1923 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1761 1924
1762Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1925Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1763miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1926miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1764one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1927one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1765C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1928C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1766 1929
1767 static ev_stat passwd; 1930 static ev_stat passwd;
1768 static ev_timer timer; 1931 static ev_timer timer;
1769 1932
1770 static void 1933 static void
1771 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1934 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1772 { 1935 {
1773 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1936 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1774 1937
1775 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1938 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1776 } 1939 }
1777 1940
1778 static void 1941 static void
1779 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1942 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1780 { 1943 {
1781 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1944 /* reset the one-second timer */
1782 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1945 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1783 } 1946 }
1784 1947
1785 ... 1948 ...
1786 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1949 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1787 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1950 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1788 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02); 1951 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1789 1952
1790 1953
1791=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1954=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1792 1955
1793Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1956Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1794priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 1957priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1795count). 1958as receiving "events").
1796 1959
1797That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 1960That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1798(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 1961(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1799triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 1962triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1800are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 1963are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1824=head3 Examples 1987=head3 Examples
1825 1988
1826Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1989Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1827callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1990callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1828 1991
1829 static void 1992 static void
1830 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1993 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1831 { 1994 {
1832 free (w); 1995 free (w);
1833 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1996 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1834 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1997 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1835 } 1998 }
1836 1999
1837 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2000 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1838 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2001 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1839 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2002 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1840 2003
1841 2004
1842=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2005=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1843 2006
1844Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2007Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1845prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2008prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1846afterwards. 2009afterwards.
1847 2010
1848You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2011You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1849the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2012the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1852those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2015those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1853C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2016C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1854called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2017called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1855 2018
1856Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2019Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1857their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2020their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1858variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2021variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1859coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2022coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1860you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2023you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1861in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2024in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1862watcher). 2025watcher).
1863 2026
1864This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2027This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1865to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2028need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1866them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2029for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1867provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2030libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1868any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2031you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1869and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2032of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1870callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2033I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1871because you never know, you know?). 2034nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1872 2035
1873As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2036As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1874coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2037coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1875during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2038during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1876are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2039are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1879loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2042loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1880low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2043low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1881 2044
1882It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2045It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1883priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2046priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2047after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2048
1884after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2049Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1885too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2050activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1886supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers 2051might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1887did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2052C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1888(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2053loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1889state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2054C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1890coexist peacefully with others). 2055others).
1891 2056
1892=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2057=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1893 2058
1894=over 4 2059=over 4
1895 2060
1897 2062
1898=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2063=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1899 2064
1900Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2065Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1901parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2066parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1902macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2067macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2068pointless.
1903 2069
1904=back 2070=back
1905 2071
1906=head3 Examples 2072=head3 Examples
1907 2073
1916and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2082and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1917is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2083is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1918priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2084priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1919the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2085the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1920 2086
1921 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2087 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1922 static ev_timer tw; 2088 static ev_timer tw;
1923 2089
1924 static void 2090 static void
1925 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2091 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1926 { 2092 {
1927 } 2093 }
1928 2094
1929 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2095 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1930 static void 2096 static void
1931 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2097 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1932 { 2098 {
1933 int timeout = 3600000; 2099 int timeout = 3600000;
1934 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2100 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1935 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2101 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1936 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2102 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1937 2103
1938 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2104 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1939 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2105 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1940 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2106 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1941 2107
1942 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2108 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1943 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2109 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1944 { 2110 {
1945 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2111 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1946 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2112 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1947 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2113 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1948 2114
1949 fds [i].revents = 0; 2115 fds [i].revents = 0;
1950 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2116 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1951 } 2117 }
1952 } 2118 }
1953 2119
1954 // stop all watchers after blocking 2120 // stop all watchers after blocking
1955 static void 2121 static void
1956 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2122 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1957 { 2123 {
1958 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2124 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1959 2125
1960 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2126 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1961 { 2127 {
1962 // set the relevant poll flags 2128 // set the relevant poll flags
1963 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2129 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1964 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2130 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1965 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2131 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1966 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2132 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1967 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2133 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1968 2134
1969 // now stop the watcher 2135 // now stop the watcher
1970 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2136 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1971 } 2137 }
1972 2138
1973 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2139 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1974 } 2140 }
1975 2141
1976Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2142Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1977in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2143in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1978 2144
1979Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2145Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1980notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2146notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1981callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2147callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1982 2148
1983 static void 2149 static void
1984 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2150 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1985 { 2151 {
1986 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2152 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1987 update_now (EV_A); 2153 update_now (EV_A);
1988 2154
1989 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2155 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1990 } 2156 }
1991 2157
1992 static void 2158 static void
1993 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2159 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1994 { 2160 {
1995 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2161 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1996 update_now (EV_A); 2162 update_now (EV_A);
1997 2163
1998 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2164 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1999 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2165 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2000 } 2166 }
2001 2167
2002 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2168 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2003 2169
2004Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2170Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2005want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2171want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
2006their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2172override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
2007loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2173main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
2008this. 2174this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2175libglib event loop.
2009 2176
2010 static gint 2177 static gint
2011 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2178 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2012 { 2179 {
2013 int got_events = 0; 2180 int got_events = 0;
2014 2181
2015 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2182 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2016 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2183 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2017 2184
2018 if (timeout >= 0) 2185 if (timeout >= 0)
2019 // create/start timer 2186 // create/start timer
2020 2187
2021 // poll 2188 // poll
2022 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2189 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2023 2190
2024 // stop timer again 2191 // stop timer again
2025 if (timeout >= 0) 2192 if (timeout >= 0)
2026 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2193 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2027 2194
2028 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2195 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2029 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2196 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2030 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2197 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2031 2198
2032 return got_events; 2199 return got_events;
2033 } 2200 }
2034 2201
2035 2202
2036=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2203=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2037 2204
2038This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2205This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2044prioritise I/O. 2211prioritise I/O.
2045 2212
2046As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2213As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2047sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2214sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2048still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2215still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2049so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2216so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2050into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2217it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2051be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2218will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2052at least you can use both at what they are best. 2219C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2220best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2053 2221
2054As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2222As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2055to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2223some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2056priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2224and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2057you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2225this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2058a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2226the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2059 2227
2060As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2228As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2061there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2229there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2062call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2230call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2063their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2231their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2071interested in that. 2239interested in that.
2072 2240
2073Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2241Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2074when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2242when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2075but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2243but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2076yourself. 2244yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2245and future versions of libev might do just that.
2077 2246
2078Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2247Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2079C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2248C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2080portable one. 2249portable one.
2081 2250
2082So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2251So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2083that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2252that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2084this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2253this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2085create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2254create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2086 2255
2256=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2257
2258While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2259automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2260fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2261however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2262as applicable.
2263
2087=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2264=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2088 2265
2089=over 4 2266=over 4
2090 2267
2091=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2268=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2094 2271
2095Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2272Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2096embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2273embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2097invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2274invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2098to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2275to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2099if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2276if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2100 2277
2101=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2278=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2102 2279
2103Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2280Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2104similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2281similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2105apropriate way for embedded loops. 2282appropriate way for embedded loops.
2106 2283
2107=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2284=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2108 2285
2109The embedded event loop. 2286The embedded event loop.
2110 2287
2112 2289
2113=head3 Examples 2290=head3 Examples
2114 2291
2115Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2292Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2116event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2293event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2117loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2294loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2118C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2295C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2119used). 2296used).
2120 2297
2121 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2298 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2122 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2299 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2123 struct ev_embed embed; 2300 struct ev_embed embed;
2124 2301
2125 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2302 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2126 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2303 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2127 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2304 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2128 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2305 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2129 : 0; 2306 : 0;
2130 2307
2131 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2308 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2132 if (loop_lo) 2309 if (loop_lo)
2133 { 2310 {
2134 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2311 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2135 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2312 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2136 } 2313 }
2137 else 2314 else
2138 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2315 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2139 2316
2140Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2317Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2141a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2318a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2142kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2319kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2143C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2320C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2144 2321
2145 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2322 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2146 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2323 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2147 struct ev_embed embed; 2324 struct ev_embed embed;
2148 2325
2149 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2326 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2150 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2327 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2151 { 2328 {
2152 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2329 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2153 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2330 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2154 } 2331 }
2155 2332
2156 if (!loop_socket) 2333 if (!loop_socket)
2157 loop_socket = loop; 2334 loop_socket = loop;
2158 2335
2159 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2336 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2160 2337
2161 2338
2162=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2339=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2163 2340
2164Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2341Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2208is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2385is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2209multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2386multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2210need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2387need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2211 2388
2212That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2389That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2213queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2390queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2214queue: 2391queue:
2215 2392
2216=over 4 2393=over 4
2217 2394
2218=item queueing from a signal handler context 2395=item queueing from a signal handler context
2219 2396
2220To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2397To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2221handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2398handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2222some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2399an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2223 2400
2224 static ev_async mysig; 2401 static ev_async mysig;
2225 2402
2226 static void 2403 static void
2227 sigusr1_handler (void) 2404 sigusr1_handler (void)
2294 2471
2295=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2472=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2296 2473
2297Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2474Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2298kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2475kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2299believe me. 2476trust me.
2300 2477
2301=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2478=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2302 2479
2303Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2480Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2304an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2481an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2305C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2482C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2306similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2483similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2307section below on what exactly this means). 2484section below on what exactly this means).
2308 2485
2309This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2486This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2310so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2487so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2311calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2488calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2312 2489
2313=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2490=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2314 2491
2315Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2492Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2317event loop. 2494event loop.
2318 2495
2319C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2496C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2320the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2497the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2321it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2498it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2322quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2499quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2323 2500
2324Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2501Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2325wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2502whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2326 2503
2327=back 2504=back
2328 2505
2329 2506
2330=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2507=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2334=over 4 2511=over 4
2335 2512
2336=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2513=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2337 2514
2338This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2515This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2339callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2516callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2340watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2517watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2341or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2518or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2342more watchers yourself. 2519more watchers yourself.
2343 2520
2344If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2521If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2345is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2522C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2346C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2523the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2347 2524
2348If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2525If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2349started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2526started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2350repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2527repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2351dubious value.
2352 2528
2353The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2529The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2354passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2530passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2355C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2531C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2356value passed to C<ev_once>: 2532value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2533a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2534events precedence.
2357 2535
2536Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2537
2358 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2538 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2359 { 2539 {
2360 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2361 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2362 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2540 if (revents & EV_READ)
2363 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2541 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2542 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2543 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2364 } 2544 }
2365 2545
2366 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2546 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2367 2547
2368=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2548=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2369 2549
2370Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2550Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2371had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2551had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2376Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2556Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2377the given events it. 2557the given events it.
2378 2558
2379=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2559=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2380 2560
2381Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2561Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2382loop!). 2562loop!).
2383 2563
2384=back 2564=back
2385 2565
2386 2566
2415=back 2595=back
2416 2596
2417=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2597=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2418 2598
2419Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2599Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2420you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2600you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2421the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2601the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2422 2602
2423To use it, 2603To use it,
2424 2604
2425 #include <ev++.h> 2605 #include <ev++.h>
2426 2606
2427This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2607This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2428of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2608of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2429put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2609put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2430options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2610options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2497your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2677your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2498thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2678thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2499 2679
2500Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2680Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2501 2681
2502 struct myclass 2682 struct myclass
2503 { 2683 {
2504 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2684 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2505 } 2685 }
2506 2686
2507 myclass obj; 2687 myclass obj;
2508 ev::io iow; 2688 ev::io iow;
2509 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2689 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2510 2690
2511=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2691=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2512 2692
2513Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2693Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2514callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2694callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2516 2696
2517The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2697The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2518 2698
2519See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2699See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2520 2700
2521Example: 2701Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2522 2702
2523 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2703 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2524 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2704 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2525 2705
2526=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2706=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2527 2707
2528Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2708Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2529do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2709do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2530 2710
2531=item w->set ([args]) 2711=item w->set ([arguments])
2532 2712
2533Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2713Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2534called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2714called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2535automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2715automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2536method. 2716method.
2537 2717
2538=item w->start () 2718=item w->start ()
2562=back 2742=back
2563 2743
2564Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2744Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2565the constructor. 2745the constructor.
2566 2746
2567 class myclass 2747 class myclass
2568 { 2748 {
2569 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2749 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2570 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2750 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2571 2751
2572 myclass (int fd) 2752 myclass (int fd)
2573 { 2753 {
2574 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2754 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2575 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2755 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2576 2756
2577 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2757 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2578 } 2758 }
2579 }; 2759 };
2580 2760
2581 2761
2582=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2762=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2583 2763
2584Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2764Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2585numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2765number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2586any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2766any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2587me a note. 2767me a note.
2588 2768
2589=over 4 2769=over 4
2590 2770
2591=item Perl 2771=item Perl
2592 2772
2593The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2773The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2594libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2774libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2595there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2775there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2596to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2776to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2597C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2777C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2778and C<EV::Glib>).
2598 2779
2599It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2780It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2600L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2781L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2601 2782
2783=item Python
2784
2785Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2786seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2787patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2788for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2789libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2790libev).
2791
2602=item Ruby 2792=item Ruby
2603 2793
2604Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2794Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2605of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2795of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2606more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2796more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2607L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2797L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2608 2798
2609=item D 2799=item D
2610 2800
2611Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2801Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2612be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2802be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2613 2803
2614=back 2804=back
2615 2805
2616 2806
2617=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2807=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2618 2808
2619Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2809Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2620of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2810of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2621functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2811functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2622 2812
2623To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2813To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2624following macros are defined: 2814following macros are defined:
2629 2819
2630This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2820This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2631loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2821loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2632C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2822C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2633 2823
2634 ev_unref (EV_A); 2824 ev_unref (EV_A);
2635 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2825 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2636 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2826 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2637 2827
2638It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2828It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2639which is often provided by the following macro. 2829which is often provided by the following macro.
2640 2830
2641=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2831=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2642 2832
2643This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2833This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2644loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2834loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2645C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2835C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2646 2836
2647 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2837 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2648 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2838 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2649 2839
2650 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2840 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2651 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2841 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2652 2842
2653It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2843It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2654suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2844suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2655 2845
2656=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2846=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2672 2862
2673Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2863Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2674macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2864macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2675or not. 2865or not.
2676 2866
2677 static void 2867 static void
2678 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2868 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2679 { 2869 {
2680 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2870 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2681 } 2871 }
2682 2872
2683 ev_check check; 2873 ev_check check;
2684 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2874 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2685 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2875 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2686 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2876 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2687 2877
2688=head1 EMBEDDING 2878=head1 EMBEDDING
2689 2879
2690Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2880Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2691applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2881applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2698libev somewhere in your source tree). 2888libev somewhere in your source tree).
2699 2889
2700=head2 FILESETS 2890=head2 FILESETS
2701 2891
2702Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2892Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2703in your app. 2893in your application.
2704 2894
2705=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2895=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2706 2896
2707To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2897To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2708configuration (no autoconf): 2898configuration (no autoconf):
2709 2899
2710 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2900 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2711 #include "ev.c" 2901 #include "ev.c"
2712 2902
2713This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2903This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2714single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2904single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2715it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2905it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2716done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2906done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2717where you can put other configuration options): 2907where you can put other configuration options):
2718 2908
2719 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2909 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2720 #include "ev.h" 2910 #include "ev.h"
2721 2911
2722Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2912Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2723compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2913compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2724as a bug). 2914as a bug).
2725 2915
2726You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2916You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2727in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2917in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2728 2918
2729 ev.h 2919 ev.h
2730 ev.c 2920 ev.c
2731 ev_vars.h 2921 ev_vars.h
2732 ev_wrap.h 2922 ev_wrap.h
2733 2923
2734 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2924 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2735 2925
2736 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2926 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2737 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2927 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2738 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2928 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2739 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2929 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2740 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2930 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2741 2931
2742F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2932F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2743to compile this single file. 2933to compile this single file.
2744 2934
2745=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2935=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2746 2936
2747To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2937To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2748 2938
2749 #include "event.c" 2939 #include "event.c"
2750 2940
2751in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2941in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2752 2942
2753 #include "event.h" 2943 #include "event.h"
2754 2944
2755in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2945in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2756 2946
2757You need the following additional files for this: 2947You need the following additional files for this:
2758 2948
2759 event.h 2949 event.h
2760 event.c 2950 event.c
2761 2951
2762=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2952=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2763 2953
2764Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2954Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2765whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2955whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2766F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2956F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2767include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2957include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2768 2958
2769For this of course you need the m4 file: 2959For this of course you need the m4 file:
2770 2960
2771 libev.m4 2961 libev.m4
2772 2962
2773=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2963=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2774 2964
2775Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2965Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2776define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of 2966define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2777autoconf is noted for every option. 2967autoconf is documented for every option.
2778 2968
2779=over 4 2969=over 4
2780 2970
2781=item EV_STANDALONE 2971=item EV_STANDALONE
2782 2972
2787F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2977F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2788 2978
2789=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2979=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2790 2980
2791If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2981If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2792monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2982monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2793of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2983of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2794usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2984usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2795the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2985the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2796to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2986to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2797function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2987function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2798 2988
2799=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2989=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2800 2990
2801If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2991If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2802realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2992real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2803runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2993runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2804be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2994be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2805(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2995(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2806note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2996note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2807 2997
2808=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2998=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
28192.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 30092.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2820 3010
2821=item EV_USE_SELECT 3011=item EV_USE_SELECT
2822 3012
2823If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3013If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2824C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3014C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2825other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3015other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2826will not be compiled in. 3016will not be compiled in.
2827 3017
2828=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3018=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2829 3019
2830If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3020If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2831structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3021structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2832C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3022C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2833exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3023exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2834low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3024low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2835allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3025allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2836influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3026influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2837 3027
2886otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3076otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2887backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3077backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2888 3078
2889=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3079=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2890 3080
2891reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3081Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2892 3082
2893=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3083=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2894 3084
2895If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3085If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2896interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3086interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2903access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3093access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2904type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3094type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2905that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3095that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2906as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3096as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2907 3097
2908In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3098In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2909(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3099(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2910 3100
2911=item EV_H 3101=item EV_H
2912 3102
2913The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3103The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2952When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3142When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2953all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3143all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2954and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3144and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2955fine. 3145fine.
2956 3146
2957If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3147If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2958C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3148both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2959 3149
2960=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3150=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2961 3151
2962If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3152If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2963defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3153defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2970code. 3160code.
2971 3161
2972=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3162=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2973 3163
2974If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3164If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2975defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3165defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3166watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2976 3167
2977=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3168=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2978 3169
2979If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3170If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2980defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3171defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2991 3182
2992=item EV_MINIMAL 3183=item EV_MINIMAL
2993 3184
2994If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3185If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2995speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 3186speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2996inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. It also selects a 3187inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
2997much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3188much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2998 3189
2999=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3190=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3000 3191
3001C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3192C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3012two). 3203two).
3013 3204
3014=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3205=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3015 3206
3016Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3207Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3017timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 3208timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3018to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3209to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3019noticably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3210faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3020 3211
3021The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3212The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3022(disabled). 3213(disabled).
3023 3214
3024=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3215=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3025 3216
3026Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3217Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3027timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3218timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3028the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3219the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3029which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 3220which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3030but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 3221but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3031noticably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3222noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3032 3223
3033The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3224The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3034(disabled). 3225(disabled).
3226
3227=item EV_VERIFY
3228
3229Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3230be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3231in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3232called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3233called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3234verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3235libev considerably.
3236
3237The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3238C<0>.
3035 3239
3036=item EV_COMMON 3240=item EV_COMMON
3037 3241
3038By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3242By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3039this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3243this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3040members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3244members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3041though, and it must be identical each time. 3245though, and it must be identical each time.
3042 3246
3043For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3247For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3044 3248
3045 #define EV_COMMON \ 3249 #define EV_COMMON \
3046 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3250 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3047 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3251 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3048 3252
3049=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3253=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3050 3254
3051=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3255=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3052 3256
3057definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3261definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3058their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3262their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3059avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3263avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3060method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3264method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3061 3265
3266=back
3267
3062=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3268=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3063 3269
3064If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3270If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3065exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3271exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3066all public symbols, one per line: 3272all public symbols, one per line:
3067 3273
3068 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3274 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3069 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3275 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3070 3276
3071This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3277This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3072multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3278multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3073itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3279itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3074 3280
3075A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3281A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3076include before including F<ev.h>: 3282include before including F<ev.h>:
3077 3283
3078 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3284 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3095file. 3301file.
3096 3302
3097The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3303The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3098that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3304that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3099 3305
3100 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3306 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3101 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3307 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3102 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3308 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3103 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3309 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3104 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3310 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3105 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3311 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3106 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3312 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3107 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3313 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3108 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3314 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3109 3315
3110 #include "ev++.h" 3316 #include "ev++.h"
3111 3317
3112And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3318And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3113 3319
3114 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3320 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3115 #include "ev.c" 3321 #include "ev.c"
3116 3322
3323=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3117 3324
3118=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3325=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3119 3326
3120=head2 THREADS 3327=head3 THREADS
3121 3328
3122Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3329All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3330documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3123means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3331that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3124only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3332are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3125parameter. 3333parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3334of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3335structures that need any locking.
3126 3336
3127Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3337Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3128parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3338concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3129done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3339must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3130thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3340only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3131per loop). 3341a mutex per loop).
3132 3342
3133If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot 3343Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3344so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3345concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3346outside".
3347
3348If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3349without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3134help you but by giving some generic advice: 3350help you, but here is some generic advice:
3135 3351
3136=over 4 3352=over 4
3137 3353
3138=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3354=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3139in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop. 3355in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3140 3356
3141This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3357This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3142themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3358themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3143 3359
3144=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3360=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3145 3361
3146Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3362Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3147exists, but it is always a good start. 3363exists, but it is always a good start.
3148 3364
3149=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3365=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3150loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion. 3366loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3151 3367
3152Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3368Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3153better than you currently do :-) 3369better than you currently do :-)
3154 3370
3155=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3371=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3372event loop.
3373
3156event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3374C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3157threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3375(or from signal contexts...).
3376
3377An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3378work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3379default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3380watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3158 3381
3159=back 3382=back
3160 3383
3161=head2 COROUTINES 3384=head3 COROUTINES
3162 3385
3163Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3386Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3164libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3387libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3165coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3388coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3166different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3389different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3167loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3390loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3168you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3391you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3169 3392
3170Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 3393Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3171state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 3394C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3172switches. 3395they do not clal any callbacks.
3173 3396
3397=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3174 3398
3175=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3399Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3400lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3401scared by this.
3176 3402
3177In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3403However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3178libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3404has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3179documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3405warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3406targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3180 3407
3181All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3408Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3182extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3409workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3183happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3410maintainable.
3184mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3185it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3186 3411
3187=over 4 3412And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3413wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3414seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3415warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3416been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3417such buggy versions.
3188 3418
3189=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3419While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3420"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3421with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3422them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3423warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3190 3424
3191This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3192there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3193have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3194 3425
3195=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3426=head2 VALGRIND
3196 3427
3197That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3428Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3198as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3429highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3199 3430
3200=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3431If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3432in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3201 3433
3202These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3434 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3435 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3436 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3203 3437
3204=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3438Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3439is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3205 3440
3206=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3441Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3442as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3443although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3444confused.
3207 3445
3208These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3446Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3209correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3447make it into some kind of religion.
3210have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3211 3448
3212=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3449If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3450with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3451is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3452annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3453of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3213 3454
3214By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3455If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3215fixed position in the storage array. 3456I suggest using suppression lists.
3216 3457
3217=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3218 3458
3219A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3459=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3220libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3221on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3222 3460
3223=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3461=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3224
3225=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3226
3227Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3228priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3229linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3230watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3231
3232=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3233
3234=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3235
3236=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3237
3238Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3239calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3240involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3241
3242=back
3243
3244
3245=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3246 3462
3247Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3463Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3248requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3464requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3249model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3465model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3250the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3466the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3257way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 3473way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3258 3474
3259There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3475There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3260embedding it into other applications. 3476embedding it into other applications.
3261 3477
3478Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3479accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3480either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3481so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3482megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3483available).
3484
3262Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3485Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3263the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3486the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3264is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3487is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3265more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 3488more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3266different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 3489different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3267notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 3490notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3268(microsoft monopoly games). 3491(Microsoft monopoly games).
3492
3493A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3494section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3495of F<ev.h>:
3496
3497 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3498 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3499
3500 #include "ev.h"
3501
3502And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3503you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3504
3505 #include "evwrap.h"
3506 #include "ev.c"
3269 3507
3270=over 4 3508=over 4
3271 3509
3272=item The winsocket select function 3510=item The winsocket select function
3273 3511
3274The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3512The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3275socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3513requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3276very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3514also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3277to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3515requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3278C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3516C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3279symbols for more info. 3517discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3518C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3280 3519
3281The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3520The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3282libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3521libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3283 3522
3284 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3523 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3285 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3524 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3286 3525
3287Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3526Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3288complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3527complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3289 3528
3290=item Limited number of file descriptors 3529=item Limited number of file descriptors
3291 3530
3292Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 3531Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3293 3532
3294Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 3533Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3295of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 3534of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3296can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft 3535can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3297recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 3536recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3298previous thread in each. Great). 3537previous thread in each. Great).
3299 3538
3300Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3539Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3301to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3540to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3302call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3541call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3303select emulation on windows). 3542select emulation on windows).
3304 3543
3305Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3544Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3306libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3545libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3307or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3546or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3308C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3547C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3309arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3548arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3310libraries. 3549libraries.
3311 3550
3312This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3551This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3313windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3552windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3314wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3553wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3315calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3554calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3316 3555
3317=back 3556=back
3318 3557
3319
3320=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3558=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3321 3559
3322In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3560In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3323additional extensions: 3561backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3324 3562
3325=over 4 3563=over 4
3326 3564
3565=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3566calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3567
3568Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3569structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3570assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3571callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3572calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3573
3327=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3574=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3328 3575
3329The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3576The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3330C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3577C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3331threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3578threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3332believed to be sufficiently portable. 3579believed to be sufficiently portable.
3333 3580
3334=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3581=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3335 3582
3344except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3591except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3345well. 3592well.
3346 3593
3347=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3594=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3348 3595
3349To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3596To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3350internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3597instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3351non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3598systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3352is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3599least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3353millions of watchers. 3600watchers.
3354 3601
3355=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3602=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3356 3603
3357The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3604The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3358have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 3605have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3362=back 3609=back
3363 3610
3364If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3611If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3365 3612
3366 3613
3367=head1 VALGRIND 3614=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3368 3615
3369Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3616In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3370highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret. 3617libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3618the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3371 3619
3372If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3620All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3373in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like: 3621extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3622happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3623mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3624average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3374 3625
3375 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3626=over 4
3376 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3377 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3378 3627
3379then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3628=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3380valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3381might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3382 3629
3383If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3630This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3384with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3631there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3385a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3632have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3386no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3387properly.
3388 3633
3389If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3634=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3390I suggest using suppression lists. 3635
3636That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3637as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3638
3639=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3640
3641These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3642
3643=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3644
3645=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3646
3647These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3648correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3649have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3650is rare).
3651
3652=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3653
3654By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3655fixed position in the storage array.
3656
3657=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3658
3659A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3660libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3661on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3662
3663=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3664
3665=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3666
3667Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3668priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3669linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3670watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3671
3672=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3673
3674=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3675
3676=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3677
3678Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3679calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3680involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3681
3682=back
3391 3683
3392 3684
3393=head1 AUTHOR 3685=head1 AUTHOR
3394 3686
3395Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3687Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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