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Revision 1.159 by root, Thu May 22 02:44:57 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.169 by root, Fri Jun 20 23:31:19 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
174a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
231 ... 252 ...
232 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
233 254
234=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
235 256
236Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
237as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
238indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
239callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
240matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
241requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
242(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
243 264
244Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
277from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
278as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
279 300
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
286 307
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
296The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
298 319
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 321
301If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
302or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
305useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
306around bugs. 327around bugs.
313 334
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 341
321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 344flag.
324 345
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable. 347environment variable.
327 348
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 350
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
332but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
333using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
334usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 356
336To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
337parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
338writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
339connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
340a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readiness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
342 363
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup. 381support for dup.
361 382
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
366very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
367 388
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
371 392
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
375 396
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
378 399
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 401
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
387system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
388 409
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 413
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
396cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
397two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399 420
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 422
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 438
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
419it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 441
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
422notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 445
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
439 460
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 462
442=back 463=back
443 464
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 468
448The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
449 470
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 473
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
455 476
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 478
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
461 482
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 484
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 486
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
472libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
474 495
475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
476 497
477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
480 501
481=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
482 503
483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
484etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
485sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
488the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
489for example). 510for example).
490 511
491Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
573those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
574case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
575 596
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
577neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
578your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
579one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
580external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
581libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
582usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
643respectively). 664respectively).
644 665
645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 666Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
646running when nothing else is active. 667running when nothing else is active.
647 668
648 struct ev_signal exitsig; 669 struct ev_signal exitsig;
649 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 670 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
650 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 671 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
651 evf_unref (loop); 672 evf_unref (loop);
652 673
653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 674Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
654 675
655 ev_ref (loop); 676 ev_ref (loop);
656 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 677 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
657 678
658=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 679=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
659 680
660=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 681=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
661 682
683to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 704to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
684latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 705latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
685will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 706will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
686any overhead in libev. 707any overhead in libev.
687 708
688Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 709Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
689interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 710interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
690interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 711interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
691usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 712usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
692as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 713as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
693 714
694=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 715=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
695 716
696This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 717This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
697compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks 718compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
709 730
710A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 731A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
711interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 732interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
712become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 733become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
713 734
714 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 735 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
715 { 736 {
716 ev_io_stop (w); 737 ev_io_stop (w);
717 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 738 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
718 } 739 }
719 740
720 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 741 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
721 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 742 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
722 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 743 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
723 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 744 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
724 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 745 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
725 ev_loop (loop, 0); 746 ev_loop (loop, 0);
726 747
727As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 748As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
728watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 749watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
729although this can sometimes be quite valid). 750although this can sometimes be quite valid).
730 751
731Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 752Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
732(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 753(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
733callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 754callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
734watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 755watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
735is readable and/or writable). 756is readable and/or writable).
736 757
737Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 758Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
738with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 759with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
814 835
815The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 836The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
816 837
817=item C<EV_ERROR> 838=item C<EV_ERROR>
818 839
819An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 840An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
820happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 841happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
821ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 842ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
822problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 843problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
823with the watcher being stopped. 844with the watcher being stopped.
824 845
825Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 846Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
826for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 847for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
827your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 848your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
828with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 849with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
829programs, though, so beware. 850programs, though, so beware.
830 851
831=back 852=back
832 853
833=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 854=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
863Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 884Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
864(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 885(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
865 886
866=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 887=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
867 888
868This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 889This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
869calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 890calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
870a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 891a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
871 892
872=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 893=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
873 894
874Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 895Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
957to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 978to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
958don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 979don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
959member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 980member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
960data: 981data:
961 982
962 struct my_io 983 struct my_io
963 { 984 {
964 struct ev_io io; 985 struct ev_io io;
965 int otherfd; 986 int otherfd;
966 void *somedata; 987 void *somedata;
967 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 988 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
968 } 989 }
969 990
970And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 991And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
971can cast it back to your own type: 992can cast it back to your own type:
972 993
973 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 994 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
974 { 995 {
975 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 996 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
976 ... 997 ...
977 } 998 }
978 999
979More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1000More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
980instead have been omitted. 1001instead have been omitted.
981 1002
982Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1003Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
983watchers: 1004watchers:
984 1005
985 struct my_biggy 1006 struct my_biggy
986 { 1007 {
987 int some_data; 1008 int some_data;
988 ev_timer t1; 1009 ev_timer t1;
989 ev_timer t2; 1010 ev_timer t2;
990 } 1011 }
991 1012
992In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1013In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
993you need to use C<offsetof>: 1014you need to use C<offsetof>:
994 1015
995 #include <stddef.h> 1016 #include <stddef.h>
996 1017
997 static void 1018 static void
998 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1019 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
999 { 1020 {
1000 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1021 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1001 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1022 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1002 } 1023 }
1003 1024
1004 static void 1025 static void
1005 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1026 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1006 { 1027 {
1007 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1028 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1008 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1029 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1009 } 1030 }
1010 1031
1011 1032
1012=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1033=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1013 1034
1014This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1035This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1046 1067
1047Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1068Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1048receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1069receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1049be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1070be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1050because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1071because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1051lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1072lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1052this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1073this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1053it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1074it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1054C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1075C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1055 1076
1056If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1077If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1057play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1078play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1058whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1079whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1059such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1080such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1060its own, so its quite safe to use). 1081its own, so its quite safe to use).
1061 1082
1062=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1083=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1122=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1143=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1123 1144
1124=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1145=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1125 1146
1126Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1147Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1127rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1148receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1128C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1149C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1129 1150
1130=item int fd [read-only] 1151=item int fd [read-only]
1131 1152
1132The file descriptor being watched. 1153The file descriptor being watched.
1141 1162
1142Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1163Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1143readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1164readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1144attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1165attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1145 1166
1146 static void 1167 static void
1147 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1168 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1148 { 1169 {
1149 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1170 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1150 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1171 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1151 } 1172 }
1152 1173
1153 ... 1174 ...
1154 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1175 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1155 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1176 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1156 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1177 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1157 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1178 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1158 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1179 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1159 1180
1160 1181
1161=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1182=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1162 1183
1163Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1184Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1164given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1185given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1165 1186
1166The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1187The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1167times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to january last 1188times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1168year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1189year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1169detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1190detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1170monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1191monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1171 1192
1172The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1193The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1175you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1196you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
1176on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1197on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1177 1198
1178 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1199 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1179 1200
1180The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1201The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1181but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1202but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1182order of execution is undefined. 1203order of execution is undefined.
1183 1204
1184=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1205=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1185 1206
1206This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1227This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1207repeating. The exact semantics are: 1228repeating. The exact semantics are:
1208 1229
1209If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1230If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1210 1231
1211If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1232If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1212 1233
1213If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1234If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1214C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1235C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1215 1236
1216This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1237This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1217example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1238example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1218timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1239timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1219seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1240seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1220configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1241configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1221C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1242C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1222you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1243you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1248 1269
1249=head3 Examples 1270=head3 Examples
1250 1271
1251Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1272Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1252 1273
1253 static void 1274 static void
1254 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1275 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1255 { 1276 {
1256 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1277 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1257 } 1278 }
1258 1279
1259 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1280 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1260 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1281 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1261 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1282 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1262 1283
1263Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1284Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1264inactivity. 1285inactivity.
1265 1286
1266 static void 1287 static void
1267 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1288 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1268 { 1289 {
1269 .. ten seconds without any activity 1290 .. ten seconds without any activity
1270 } 1291 }
1271 1292
1272 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1293 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1273 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1294 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1274 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1295 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1275 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1276 1297
1277 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1298 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1278 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1299 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1279 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1300 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1280 1301
1281 1302
1282=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1303=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1283 1304
1284Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1305Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1285(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1306(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1286 1307
1287Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1308Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1288but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1309but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1289to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1310to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1290periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1311periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1291+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 1312+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1292clock to january of the previous year, then it will take more than year 1313clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1293to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger 1314to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1294roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1315roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1295 1316
1296C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1317C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1297such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1318such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1298complicated, rules. 1319complicated, rules.
1299 1320
1300As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1321As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1301time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1322time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1302during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1323during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1303 1324
1304=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1305 1326
1314 1335
1315=over 4 1336=over 4
1316 1337
1317=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1338=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1318 1339
1319In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wallclock 1340In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1320time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time 1341time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1321jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1342jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1322run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1343run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1323 1344
1324=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1345=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1332the hour: 1353the hour:
1333 1354
1334 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1355 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1335 1356
1336This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1357This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1337but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1358but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1338full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1359full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1339by 3600. 1360by 3600.
1340 1361
1341Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1362Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1342C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1363C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1344 1365
1345For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1366For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1346C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1367C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1347this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 1368this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1348 1369
1349Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (cpu 1370Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1350speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 1371speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1351will of course detoriate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 1372will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1352millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 1373millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1353 1374
1354=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1375=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1355 1376
1356In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1377In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1425 1446
1426=head3 Examples 1447=head3 Examples
1427 1448
1428Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1449Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1429system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1450system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1430potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1451potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1431 1452
1432 static void 1453 static void
1433 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1454 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1434 { 1455 {
1435 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1456 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1436 } 1457 }
1437 1458
1438 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1459 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1439 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1460 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1440 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1461 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1441 1462
1442Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1463Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1443 1464
1444 #include <math.h> 1465 #include <math.h>
1445 1466
1446 static ev_tstamp 1467 static ev_tstamp
1447 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1468 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1448 { 1469 {
1449 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1470 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1450 } 1471 }
1451 1472
1452 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1473 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1453 1474
1454Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1475Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1455 1476
1456 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1477 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1457 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1478 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1458 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1479 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1459 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1480 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1460 1481
1461 1482
1462=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1483=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1463 1484
1464Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1485Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1472as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1493as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1473watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1494watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1474SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1495SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1475 1496
1476If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1497If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1477C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1498C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1478interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1499interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1479signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1500signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1480them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1501them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1481 1502
1482=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1483 1504
1498 1519
1499=head3 Examples 1520=head3 Examples
1500 1521
1501Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1522Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1502 1523
1503 static void 1524 static void
1504 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1525 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1505 { 1526 {
1506 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1527 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1507 } 1528 }
1508 1529
1509 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1530 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1510 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1531 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1511 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1532 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1512 1533
1513 1534
1514=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1535=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1515 1536
1516Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1537Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1518is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1539is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1519forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1540forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1520loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1541loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1521 1542
1522Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1543Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1523you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1544you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1524 1545
1525=head3 Process Interaction 1546=head3 Process Interaction
1526 1547
1527Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1548Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1528initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1549initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1529the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1550the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1530of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1551of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1531synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1552synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1532children, even ones not watched. 1553children, even ones not watched.
1533 1554
1534=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1555=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1576=head3 Examples 1597=head3 Examples
1577 1598
1578Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1599Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1579its completion. 1600its completion.
1580 1601
1581 ev_child cw; 1602 ev_child cw;
1582 1603
1583 static void 1604 static void
1584 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1605 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1585 { 1606 {
1586 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1607 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1587 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1608 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1588 } 1609 }
1589 1610
1590 pid_t pid = fork (); 1611 pid_t pid = fork ();
1591 1612
1592 if (pid < 0) 1613 if (pid < 0)
1593 // error 1614 // error
1594 else if (pid == 0) 1615 else if (pid == 0)
1595 { 1616 {
1596 // the forked child executes here 1617 // the forked child executes here
1597 exit (1); 1618 exit (1);
1598 } 1619 }
1599 else 1620 else
1600 { 1621 {
1601 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1622 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1602 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1623 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1603 } 1624 }
1604 1625
1605 1626
1606=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1627=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1607 1628
1608This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1629This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1609C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1630C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1610compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1631compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1611 1632
1612The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1633The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1613not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1634not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1641will be no polling. 1662will be no polling.
1642 1663
1643=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1664=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1644 1665
1645Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1666Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1646compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1667compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1647disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1668support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1648structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1669structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1649use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1670use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1650compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1671compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1651obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1672obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1652most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1673most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1674
1675The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1676file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1677optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1678to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1679default compilation environment.
1653 1680
1654=head3 Inotify 1681=head3 Inotify
1655 1682
1656When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1683When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1657available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1684available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1667implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1694implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1668descriptor open on the object at all times). 1695descriptor open on the object at all times).
1669 1696
1670=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1697=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1671 1698
1672The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1699The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1673even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1700even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1674only support whole seconds. 1701only support whole seconds.
1675 1702
1676That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 1703That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1677easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 1704easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1678calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 1705calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1738 1765
1739The specified interval. 1766The specified interval.
1740 1767
1741=item const char *path [read-only] 1768=item const char *path [read-only]
1742 1769
1743The filesystem path that is being watched. 1770The file system path that is being watched.
1744 1771
1745=back 1772=back
1746 1773
1747=head3 Examples 1774=head3 Examples
1748 1775
1749Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1776Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1750 1777
1751 static void 1778 static void
1752 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1779 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1753 { 1780 {
1754 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1781 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1755 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1782 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1756 { 1783 {
1757 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1784 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1758 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1785 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1759 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1786 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1760 } 1787 }
1761 else 1788 else
1762 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1789 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1763 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1790 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1764 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1791 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1765 } 1792 }
1766 1793
1767 ... 1794 ...
1768 ev_stat passwd; 1795 ev_stat passwd;
1769 1796
1770 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1797 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1771 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1798 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1772 1799
1773Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1800Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1774miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1801miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1775one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1802one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1776C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1803C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1777 1804
1778 static ev_stat passwd; 1805 static ev_stat passwd;
1779 static ev_timer timer; 1806 static ev_timer timer;
1780 1807
1781 static void 1808 static void
1782 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1809 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1783 { 1810 {
1784 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1811 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1785 1812
1786 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1813 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1787 } 1814 }
1788 1815
1789 static void 1816 static void
1790 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1817 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1791 { 1818 {
1792 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1819 /* reset the one-second timer */
1793 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1820 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1794 } 1821 }
1795 1822
1796 ... 1823 ...
1797 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1824 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1798 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1825 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1799 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02); 1826 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1800 1827
1801 1828
1802=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1829=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1803 1830
1804Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1831Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1835=head3 Examples 1862=head3 Examples
1836 1863
1837Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1864Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1838callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1865callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1839 1866
1840 static void 1867 static void
1841 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1868 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1842 { 1869 {
1843 free (w); 1870 free (w);
1844 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1871 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1845 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1872 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1846 } 1873 }
1847 1874
1848 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1875 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1849 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1876 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1850 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1877 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1851 1878
1852 1879
1853=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1880=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1854 1881
1855Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1882Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1874 1901
1875This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1902This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1876to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1903to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1877them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1904them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1878provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1905provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1879any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1906any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1880and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1907and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1881callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1908callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1882because you never know, you know?). 1909because you never know, you know?).
1883 1910
1884As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1911As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1927and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1954and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1928is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1955is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1929priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1956priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1930the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1957the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1931 1958
1932 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1959 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1933 static ev_timer tw; 1960 static ev_timer tw;
1934 1961
1935 static void 1962 static void
1936 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1963 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1937 { 1964 {
1938 } 1965 }
1939 1966
1940 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1967 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1941 static void 1968 static void
1942 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1969 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1943 { 1970 {
1944 int timeout = 3600000; 1971 int timeout = 3600000;
1945 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1972 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1946 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1973 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1947 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1974 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1948 1975
1949 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1976 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1950 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1977 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1951 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1978 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1952 1979
1953 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1980 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1954 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1981 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1955 { 1982 {
1956 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1983 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1957 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1984 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1958 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1985 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1959 1986
1960 fds [i].revents = 0; 1987 fds [i].revents = 0;
1961 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1988 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1962 } 1989 }
1963 } 1990 }
1964 1991
1965 // stop all watchers after blocking 1992 // stop all watchers after blocking
1966 static void 1993 static void
1967 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1994 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1968 { 1995 {
1969 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1996 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1970 1997
1971 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1998 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1972 { 1999 {
1973 // set the relevant poll flags 2000 // set the relevant poll flags
1974 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2001 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1975 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2002 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1976 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2003 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1977 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2004 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1978 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2005 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1979 2006
1980 // now stop the watcher 2007 // now stop the watcher
1981 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2008 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1982 } 2009 }
1983 2010
1984 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2011 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1985 } 2012 }
1986 2013
1987Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2014Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1988in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2015in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1989 2016
1990Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2017Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1991notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2018notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1992callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2019callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1993 2020
1994 static void 2021 static void
1995 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2022 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1996 { 2023 {
1997 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2024 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1998 update_now (EV_A); 2025 update_now (EV_A);
1999 2026
2000 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2027 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2001 } 2028 }
2002 2029
2003 static void 2030 static void
2004 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2031 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2005 { 2032 {
2006 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2033 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2007 update_now (EV_A); 2034 update_now (EV_A);
2008 2035
2009 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2036 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2010 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2037 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2011 } 2038 }
2012 2039
2013 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2040 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2014 2041
2015Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2042Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2016want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2043want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
2017their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2044their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2018loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2045loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2019this. 2046this.
2020 2047
2021 static gint 2048 static gint
2022 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2049 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2023 { 2050 {
2024 int got_events = 0; 2051 int got_events = 0;
2025 2052
2026 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2053 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2027 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2054 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2028 2055
2029 if (timeout >= 0) 2056 if (timeout >= 0)
2030 // create/start timer 2057 // create/start timer
2031 2058
2032 // poll 2059 // poll
2033 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2060 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2034 2061
2035 // stop timer again 2062 // stop timer again
2036 if (timeout >= 0) 2063 if (timeout >= 0)
2037 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2064 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2038 2065
2039 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2066 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2040 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2067 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2041 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2068 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2042 2069
2043 return got_events; 2070 return got_events;
2044 } 2071 }
2045 2072
2046 2073
2047=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2074=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2048 2075
2049This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2076This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2105 2132
2106Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2133Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2107embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2134embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2108invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2135invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2109to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2136to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2110if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2137if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2111 2138
2112=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2139=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2113 2140
2114Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2141Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2115similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2142similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2116apropriate way for embedded loops. 2143appropriate way for embedded loops.
2117 2144
2118=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2145=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2119 2146
2120The embedded event loop. 2147The embedded event loop.
2121 2148
2123 2150
2124=head3 Examples 2151=head3 Examples
2125 2152
2126Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2153Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2127event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2154event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2128loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2155loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2129C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2156C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2130used). 2157used).
2131 2158
2132 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2159 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2133 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2160 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2134 struct ev_embed embed; 2161 struct ev_embed embed;
2135 2162
2136 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2163 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2137 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2164 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2138 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2165 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2139 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2166 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2140 : 0; 2167 : 0;
2141 2168
2142 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2169 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2143 if (loop_lo) 2170 if (loop_lo)
2144 { 2171 {
2145 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2172 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2146 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2173 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2147 } 2174 }
2148 else 2175 else
2149 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2176 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2150 2177
2151Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2178Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2152a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2179a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2153kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2180kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2154C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2181C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2155 2182
2156 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2183 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2157 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2184 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2158 struct ev_embed embed; 2185 struct ev_embed embed;
2159 2186
2160 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2187 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2161 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2188 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2162 { 2189 {
2163 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2190 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2164 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2191 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2165 } 2192 }
2166 2193
2167 if (!loop_socket) 2194 if (!loop_socket)
2168 loop_socket = loop; 2195 loop_socket = loop;
2169 2196
2170 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2197 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2171 2198
2172 2199
2173=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2200=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2174 2201
2175Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2202Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2228 2255
2229=item queueing from a signal handler context 2256=item queueing from a signal handler context
2230 2257
2231To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2258To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2232handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2259handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2233some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2260some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2234 2261
2235 static ev_async mysig; 2262 static ev_async mysig;
2236 2263
2237 static void 2264 static void
2238 sigusr1_handler (void) 2265 sigusr1_handler (void)
2312=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2339=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2313 2340
2314Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2341Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2315an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2342an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2316C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2343C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2317similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2344similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2318section below on what exactly this means). 2345section below on what exactly this means).
2319 2346
2320This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2347This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2321so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2348so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2322calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2349calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2323 2350
2324=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2351=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2325 2352
2326Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2353Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2328event loop. 2355event loop.
2329 2356
2330C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2357C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2331the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2358the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2332it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2359it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2333quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2360quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2334 2361
2335Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2362Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2336wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2363whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2337 2364
2338=back 2365=back
2339 2366
2340 2367
2341=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2368=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2352or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2379or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2353more watchers yourself. 2380more watchers yourself.
2354 2381
2355If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2382If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2356is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2383is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2357C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2384C<events> set will be created and started.
2358 2385
2359If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2386If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2360started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2387started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2361repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2388repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2362dubious value. 2389dubious value.
2364The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2391The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2365passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2392passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2366C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2393C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2367value passed to C<ev_once>: 2394value passed to C<ev_once>:
2368 2395
2369 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2396 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2370 { 2397 {
2371 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2398 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2372 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2399 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2373 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2400 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2374 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2401 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2375 } 2402 }
2376 2403
2377 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2404 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2378 2405
2379=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2406=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2380 2407
2381Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2408Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2382had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2409had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2387Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2414Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2388the given events it. 2415the given events it.
2389 2416
2390=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2417=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2391 2418
2392Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2419Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2393loop!). 2420loop!).
2394 2421
2395=back 2422=back
2396 2423
2397 2424
2426=back 2453=back
2427 2454
2428=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2455=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2429 2456
2430Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2457Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2431you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2458you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2432the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2459the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2433 2460
2434To use it, 2461To use it,
2435 2462
2436 #include <ev++.h> 2463 #include <ev++.h>
2437 2464
2438This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2465This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2439of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2466of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2440put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2467put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2441options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2468options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2508your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2535your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2509thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2536thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2510 2537
2511Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2538Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2512 2539
2513 struct myclass 2540 struct myclass
2514 { 2541 {
2515 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2542 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2516 } 2543 }
2517 2544
2518 myclass obj; 2545 myclass obj;
2519 ev::io iow; 2546 ev::io iow;
2520 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2547 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2521 2548
2522=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2549=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2523 2550
2524Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2551Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2525callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2552callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2529 2556
2530See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2557See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2531 2558
2532Example: 2559Example:
2533 2560
2534 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2561 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2535 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2562 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2536 2563
2537=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2564=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2538 2565
2539Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2566Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2540do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2567do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2541 2568
2542=item w->set ([args]) 2569=item w->set ([arguments])
2543 2570
2544Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2571Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2545called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2572called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2546automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2573automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2547method. 2574method.
2548 2575
2549=item w->start () 2576=item w->start ()
2573=back 2600=back
2574 2601
2575Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2602Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2576the constructor. 2603the constructor.
2577 2604
2578 class myclass 2605 class myclass
2579 { 2606 {
2580 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2607 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2581 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2608 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2582 2609
2583 myclass (int fd) 2610 myclass (int fd)
2584 { 2611 {
2585 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2612 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2586 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2613 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2587 2614
2588 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2615 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2589 } 2616 }
2590 }; 2617 };
2591 2618
2592 2619
2593=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2620=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2594 2621
2595Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2622Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2596numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2623number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2597any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2624any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2598me a note. 2625me a note.
2599 2626
2600=over 4 2627=over 4
2601 2628
2605libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2632libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2606there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2633there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2607to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2634to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2608C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2635C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2609 2636
2610It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2637It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2611L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2638L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2612 2639
2640=item Python
2641
2642Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2643seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2644patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2645for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2646libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2647libev).
2648
2613=item Ruby 2649=item Ruby
2614 2650
2615Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2651Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2616of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2652of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2617more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2653more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2618L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2654L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2619 2655
2620=item D 2656=item D
2621 2657
2625=back 2661=back
2626 2662
2627 2663
2628=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2664=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2629 2665
2630Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2666Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2631of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2667of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2632functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2668functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2633 2669
2634To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2670To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2635following macros are defined: 2671following macros are defined:
2640 2676
2641This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2677This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2642loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2678loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2643C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2679C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2644 2680
2645 ev_unref (EV_A); 2681 ev_unref (EV_A);
2646 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2682 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2647 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2683 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2648 2684
2649It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2685It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2650which is often provided by the following macro. 2686which is often provided by the following macro.
2651 2687
2652=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2688=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2653 2689
2654This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2690This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2655loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2691loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2656C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2692C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2657 2693
2658 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2694 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2659 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2695 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2660 2696
2661 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2697 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2662 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2698 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2663 2699
2664It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2700It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2665suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2701suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2666 2702
2667=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2703=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2683 2719
2684Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2720Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2685macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2721macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2686or not. 2722or not.
2687 2723
2688 static void 2724 static void
2689 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2725 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2690 { 2726 {
2691 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2727 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2692 } 2728 }
2693 2729
2694 ev_check check; 2730 ev_check check;
2695 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2731 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2696 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2732 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2697 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2733 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2698 2734
2699=head1 EMBEDDING 2735=head1 EMBEDDING
2700 2736
2701Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2737Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2702applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2738applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2709libev somewhere in your source tree). 2745libev somewhere in your source tree).
2710 2746
2711=head2 FILESETS 2747=head2 FILESETS
2712 2748
2713Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2749Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2714in your app. 2750in your application.
2715 2751
2716=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2752=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2717 2753
2718To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2754To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2719configuration (no autoconf): 2755configuration (no autoconf):
2720 2756
2721 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2757 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2722 #include "ev.c" 2758 #include "ev.c"
2723 2759
2724This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2760This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2725single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2761single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2726it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2762it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2727done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2763done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2728where you can put other configuration options): 2764where you can put other configuration options):
2729 2765
2730 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2766 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2731 #include "ev.h" 2767 #include "ev.h"
2732 2768
2733Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2769Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2734compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2770compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2735as a bug). 2771as a bug).
2736 2772
2737You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2773You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2738in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2774in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2739 2775
2740 ev.h 2776 ev.h
2741 ev.c 2777 ev.c
2742 ev_vars.h 2778 ev_vars.h
2743 ev_wrap.h 2779 ev_wrap.h
2744 2780
2745 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2781 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2746 2782
2747 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2783 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2748 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2784 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2749 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2785 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2750 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2786 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2751 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2787 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2752 2788
2753F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2789F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2754to compile this single file. 2790to compile this single file.
2755 2791
2756=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2792=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2757 2793
2758To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2794To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2759 2795
2760 #include "event.c" 2796 #include "event.c"
2761 2797
2762in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2798in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2763 2799
2764 #include "event.h" 2800 #include "event.h"
2765 2801
2766in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2802in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2767 2803
2768You need the following additional files for this: 2804You need the following additional files for this:
2769 2805
2770 event.h 2806 event.h
2771 event.c 2807 event.c
2772 2808
2773=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2809=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2774 2810
2775Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2811Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2776whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2812whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2777F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2813F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2778include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2814include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2779 2815
2780For this of course you need the m4 file: 2816For this of course you need the m4 file:
2781 2817
2782 libev.m4 2818 libev.m4
2783 2819
2784=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2820=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2785 2821
2786Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2822Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2787define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of 2823define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2788autoconf is noted for every option. 2824autoconf is noted for every option.
2789 2825
2790=over 4 2826=over 4
2791 2827
2792=item EV_STANDALONE 2828=item EV_STANDALONE
2798F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2834F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2799 2835
2800=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2836=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2801 2837
2802If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2838If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2803monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2839monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2804of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2840of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2805usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2841usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2806the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2842the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2807to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2843to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2808function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2844function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2809 2845
2810=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2846=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2811 2847
2812If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2848If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2813realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2849real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2814runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2850runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2815be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2851be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2816(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2852(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2817note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2853note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2818 2854
2819=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2855=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
28302.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 28662.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2831 2867
2832=item EV_USE_SELECT 2868=item EV_USE_SELECT
2833 2869
2834If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2870If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2835C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2871C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2836other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2872other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2837will not be compiled in. 2873will not be compiled in.
2838 2874
2839=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2875=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2840 2876
2841If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2877If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2842structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2878structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2843C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2879C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2844exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2880exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2845low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2881low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2846allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2882allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2847influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2883influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2848 2884
2897otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2933otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2898backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2934backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2899 2935
2900=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2936=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2901 2937
2902reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2938Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2903 2939
2904=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2940=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2905 2941
2906If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2942If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2907interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2943interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2914access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2950access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2915type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2951type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2916that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2952that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2917as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2953as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2918 2954
2919In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2955In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2920(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2956(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2921 2957
2922=item EV_H 2958=item EV_H
2923 2959
2924The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2960The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2963When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 2999When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2964all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3000all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2965and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3001and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2966fine. 3002fine.
2967 3003
2968If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3004If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2969C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3005C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2970 3006
2971=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3007=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2972 3008
2973If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3009If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2974defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3010defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3002 3038
3003=item EV_MINIMAL 3039=item EV_MINIMAL
3004 3040
3005If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3041If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3006speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 3042speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
3007inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. It also selects a 3043inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3008much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3044much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
3009 3045
3010=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3046=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3011 3047
3012C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3048C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3025=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3061=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3026 3062
3027Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3063Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3028timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 3064timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3029to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3065to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3030noticably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3066noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3031 3067
3032The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3068The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3033(disabled). 3069(disabled).
3034 3070
3035=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3071=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3037Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3073Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3038timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3074timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3039the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3075the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3040which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 3076which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3041but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 3077but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3042noticably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3078noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3043 3079
3044The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3080The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3045(disabled). 3081(disabled).
3046 3082
3047=item EV_VERIFY 3083=item EV_VERIFY
3064members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3100members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3065though, and it must be identical each time. 3101though, and it must be identical each time.
3066 3102
3067For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3103For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3068 3104
3069 #define EV_COMMON \ 3105 #define EV_COMMON \
3070 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3106 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3071 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3107 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3072 3108
3073=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3109=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3074 3110
3075=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3111=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3076 3112
3083avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3119avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3084method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3120method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3085 3121
3086=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3122=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3087 3123
3088If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3124If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3089exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3125exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3090all public symbols, one per line: 3126all public symbols, one per line:
3091 3127
3092 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3128 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3093 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3129 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3094 3130
3095This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3131This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3096multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3132multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3097itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3133itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3098 3134
3099A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3135A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3100include before including F<ev.h>: 3136include before including F<ev.h>:
3101 3137
3102 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3138 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3119file. 3155file.
3120 3156
3121The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3157The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3122that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3158that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3123 3159
3124 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3160 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3125 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3161 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3126 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3162 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3127 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3163 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3128 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3164 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3129 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3165 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3130 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3166 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3131 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3167 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3132 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3168 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3133 3169
3134 #include "ev++.h" 3170 #include "ev++.h"
3135 3171
3136And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3172And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3137 3173
3138 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3174 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3139 #include "ev.c" 3175 #include "ev.c"
3140 3176
3141 3177
3142=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3178=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3143 3179
3144=head2 THREADS 3180=head2 THREADS
3145 3181
3146Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3182Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3147means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3183means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3148only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3184only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3149parameter. 3185parameter.
3150 3186
3151Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3187Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3158help you but by giving some generic advice: 3194help you but by giving some generic advice:
3159 3195
3160=over 4 3196=over 4
3161 3197
3162=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3198=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3163in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop. 3199in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3164 3200
3165This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3201This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3166themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3202themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3167 3203
3168=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3204=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3169 3205
3170Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3206Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3171exists, but it is always a good start. 3207exists, but it is always a good start.
3172 3208
3173=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3209=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3174loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion. 3210loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3175 3211
3176Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3212Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3177better than you currently do :-) 3213better than you currently do :-)
3178 3214
3179=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3215=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3180event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3216event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3181threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3217threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3182 3218
3183=back 3219=back
3184 3220
3185=head2 COROUTINES 3221=head2 COROUTINES
3186 3222
3187Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3223Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3188libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3224libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3189coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3225coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3190different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3226different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3191loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3227loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3192you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3228you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3240 3276
3241=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3277=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3242 3278
3243A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3279A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3244libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3280libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3245on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3281on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3246 3282
3247=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3283=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3248 3284
3249=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3285=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3250 3286
3257 3293
3258=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3294=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3259 3295
3260=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3296=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3261 3297
3262Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3298Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3263calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3299calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3264involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3300involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3265 3301
3266=back 3302=back
3267 3303
3268 3304
3269=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3305=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3270 3306
3271Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3307Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3272requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3308requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3273model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3309model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3274the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3310the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3281way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 3317way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3282 3318
3283There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3319There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3284embedding it into other applications. 3320embedding it into other applications.
3285 3321
3322Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3323accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3324either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3325so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3326megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3327available).
3328
3286Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3329Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3287the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3330the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3288is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3331is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3289more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 3332more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3290different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 3333different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3291notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 3334notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3292(microsoft monopoly games). 3335(Microsoft monopoly games).
3336
3337A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3338section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3339of F<ev.h>:
3340
3341 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3342 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3343
3344 #include "ev.h"
3345
3346And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3347you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3348
3349 #include "evwrap.h"
3350 #include "ev.c"
3293 3351
3294=over 4 3352=over 4
3295 3353
3296=item The winsocket select function 3354=item The winsocket select function
3297 3355
3298The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3356The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3299socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3357requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3300very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3358also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3301to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3359requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3302C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3360C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3303symbols for more info. 3361discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3362C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3304 3363
3305The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3364The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3306libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3365libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3307 3366
3308 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3367 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3309 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3368 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3310 3369
3311Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3370Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3312complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3371complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3313 3372
3314=item Limited number of file descriptors 3373=item Limited number of file descriptors
3315 3374
3316Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 3375Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3317 3376
3318Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 3377Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3319of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 3378of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3320can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft 3379can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3321recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 3380recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3322previous thread in each. Great). 3381previous thread in each. Great).
3323 3382
3324Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3383Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3325to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3384to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3326call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3385call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3327select emulation on windows). 3386select emulation on windows).
3328 3387
3329Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3388Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3330libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3389libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3331or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3390or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3332C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3391C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3333arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3392arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3334libraries. 3393libraries.
3335 3394
3336This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3395This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3337windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3396windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3338wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3397wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3345 3404
3346In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3405In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3347additional extensions: 3406additional extensions:
3348 3407
3349=over 4 3408=over 4
3409
3410=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3411calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3412
3413Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3414structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3415assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3416callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3417calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3350 3418
3351=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3419=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3352 3420
3353The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3421The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3354C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3422C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3386=back 3454=back
3387 3455
3388If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3456If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3389 3457
3390 3458
3459=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3460
3461Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3462lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3463scared by this.
3464
3465However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3466has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3467warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3468targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3469
3470Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3471workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3472maintainable.
3473
3474And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3475wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3476seems to warn about).
3477
3478While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3479"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3480with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3481them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3482warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3483
3484
3391=head1 VALGRIND 3485=head1 VALGRIND
3392 3486
3393Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3487Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3394highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret. 3488highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3395 3489
3398 3492
3399 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3493 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3400 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3494 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3401 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks. 3495 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3402 3496
3403then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3497Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3404valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it 3498valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3405might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool). 3499might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3406 3500
3407If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3501If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3408with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3502with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is

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