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Revision 1.288 by root, Tue Mar 16 00:54:52 2010 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 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 20
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 23 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 25 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 30
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 42 }
41 43
42 int 44 int
43 main (void) 45 main (void)
44 { 46 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 49
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 54
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 55 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 59
58 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 62
61 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 64 return 0;
63 } 65 }
64 66
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
66 70
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The 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 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
70 84
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 88
84=head2 FEATURES 98=head2 FEATURES
85 99
86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 103(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 104inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 105timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 106(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 107change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 108loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
95(C<ev_fork>). 109C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
110limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
96 111
97It also is quite fast (see this 112It also is quite fast (see this
98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 113L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
99for example). 114for example).
100 115
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 123name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 124this argument.
110 125
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 127
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 131type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 132aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 133on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 135throughout libev.
136
137=head1 ERROR HANDLING
138
139Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
140and internal errors (bugs).
141
142When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
143a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
144set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
145abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
146()>.
147
148When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
149it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
150so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
151the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
152
153Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
154extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
155circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
156
121 157
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 158=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 159
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 160These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 161library in any way.
134 170
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 171=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 172
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 173Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 175this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 176
141=item int ev_version_major () 177=item int ev_version_major ()
142 178
143=item int ev_version_minor () 179=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 180
157not a problem. 193not a problem.
158 194
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 196version.
161 197
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 198 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 201
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 202=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 203
168Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 204Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 205value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 207a description of the set values.
172 208
173Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 209Example: 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 210a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
175 211
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 214
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 216
181Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 217Return 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 218recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 219returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 220most 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 221(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 223
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 225
193C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 229C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
194recommended ones. 230recommended ones.
195 231
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 232See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 233
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 234=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
199 235
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 236Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 237semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 238used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 239when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
229 } 265 }
230 266
231 ... 267 ...
232 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 268 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
233 269
234=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 270=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
235 271
236Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 272Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
237as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 273as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
238indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 274indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
239callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 275callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
240matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 276matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
241requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 277requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
242(such as abort). 278(such as abort).
243 279
244Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 280Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
255 291
256=back 292=back
257 293
258=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
259 295
260An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
261types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 297is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
262events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 298I<function>).
299
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
302not.
263 303
264=over 4 304=over 4
265 305
266=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
267 307
273If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 313If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
274function. 314function.
275 315
276Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 316Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
277from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 317from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
278as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
279 319
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 320The 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 321C<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 322for 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 323create 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 324can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 325C<ev_default_init>.
286 326
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 327The 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 336The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 337thing, believe me).
298 338
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 339=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 340
301If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 341If 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 342or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 343C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 344override 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 345useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
306around bugs. 346around bugs.
313 353
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 354This 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 355and 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 356iterations 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 357GNU/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 358without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 359C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 360
321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 361The 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 362forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 363flag.
324 364
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 365This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable. 366environment variable.
367
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them.
383
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
385there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
327 387
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 389
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
331libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
332but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 392but 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 393using 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. 394usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 395
336To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 396To 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 397parallelism (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 398writing 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 399connections 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 400a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readiness notifications you get per iteration. 401readiness notifications you get per iteration.
402
403This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
404C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
405C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
342 406
343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 407=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
344 408
345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 409And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 410than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
347limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 411limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
348considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 412considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
349i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 413i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
350performance tips. 414performance tips.
351 415
416This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
417C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
418
352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 419=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
420
421Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
422kernels).
353 423
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 424For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 425but 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), 426like 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 427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 428
359cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
360support for dup. 430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
433so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
434I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
436hard to detect.
437
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
442on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
361 445
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 446While 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 447will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 448incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 449I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
366very well if you register events for both fds. 450file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
367 451file descriptors.
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
369need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
370(or space) is available.
371 452
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 453Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 454watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 455i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
456starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
457extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
458as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
459take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
375 460
461All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
462faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
463the usage. So sad.
464
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 465While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 466all kernel versions tested so far.
467
468This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
469C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
378 470
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 471=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 472
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 473Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 474was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 475with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 476it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
477is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
478without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 479"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 480C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
387system like NetBSD. 481system like NetBSD.
388 482
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 483You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
390only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 484only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 485the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 486
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 487It 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 488kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 489course). 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 490cause 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 491two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 492sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
493cases
399 494
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 495This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 496
402While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 497While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
403everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 498everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
404almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 499almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
405(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 500(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
406(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 501(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
407sockets. 502also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
503
504This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
505C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
506C<NOTE_EOF>.
408 507
409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 508=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
410 509
411This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 510This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
412implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 511implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 515=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 516
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 517This 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)). 518it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 519
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 520Please 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 521notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 522blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 523
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 524While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 525file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 526descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better. 527might perform better.
429 528
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this 529On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 530notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 531in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
532OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
533
534This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
535C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
433 536
434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 537=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
435 538
436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 539Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
437with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 540with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
439 542
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 543It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 544
442=back 545=back
443 546
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 547If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 548then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 549here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
550()> will be tried.
447 551
448The most typical usage is like this: 552Example: This is the most typical usage.
449 553
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 554 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 555 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 556
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 557Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 558environment settings to be taken into account:
455 559
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 560 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 561
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 562Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 563used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 564private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
565fds):
461 566
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 567 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 568
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 569=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 570
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 571Similar 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 572always 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 577libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
473default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 578default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
474 579
475Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 580Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
476 581
477 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 if (!epoller) 583 if (!epoller)
479 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
480 585
481=item ev_default_destroy () 586=item ev_default_destroy ()
482 587
483Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 588Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
484etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 589etc.). 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 590sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
486responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 591responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
487calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 592calling 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 593the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
489for example). 594for example).
490 595
491Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 596Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
492this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 597handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
493would need to be stopped manually. 598as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
494 599
495In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 600In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
496rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 601rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
497pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 602pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
498C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 603C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
499 604
500=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
501 606
502Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 607Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
503earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 608earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
523 628
524=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 629=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
525 630
526Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 631Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
527C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 632C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
528after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 633after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
634entirely your own problem.
529 635
530=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 636=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
531 637
532Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 638Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
639otherwise.
533 640
534=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 641=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
535 642
536Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 643Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
537the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 644the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
538happily wraps around with enough iterations. 645happily wraps around with enough iterations.
539 646
540This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 647This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
541"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 648"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
542C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 649C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
650
651=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop)
652
653Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of
654times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
655
656Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
657C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
658in which case it is higher.
659
660Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
661etc.), doesn't count as exit.
543 662
544=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 663=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
545 664
546Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 665Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
547use. 666use.
552received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 671received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
553change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 672change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
554time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 673time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
555event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 674event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
556 675
676=item ev_now_update (loop)
677
678Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
679returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
680is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
681
682This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
683very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
684the current time is a good idea.
685
686See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
687
688=item ev_suspend (loop)
689
690=item ev_resume (loop)
691
692These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
693not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
694
695A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
696the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
697would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
698the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
699in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
700C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
701
702Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
703between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
704will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
705occured while suspended).
706
707After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
708given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
709without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
710
711Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
712event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
713
557=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 714=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
558 715
559Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 716Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
560after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 717after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
561events. 718handling events.
562 719
563If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 720If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
564either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 721either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
565 722
566Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 723Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
567relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 724relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
568finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 725finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
569automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 726that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
570relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 727of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
728beauty.
571 729
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 730A 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 731those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
574case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 732process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
733the loop.
575 734
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 735A 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 736necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
578your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 737will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
579one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 738be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
580external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 739user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
740iteration of the loop.
741
742This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
743with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
581libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 744own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
582usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 745usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
583 746
584Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 747Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
585 748
586 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 749 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
587 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 750 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
588 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 751 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
589 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 752 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
590 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 753 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
754 as to not disturb the other process.
591 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 755 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
592 - Update the "event loop time". 756 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
593 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 757 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
594 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 758 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
595 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 759 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
596 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 760 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
597 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 761 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
598 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 762 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
599 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 763 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
600 - Queue all outstanding timers. 764 - Queue all expired timers.
601 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 765 - Queue all expired periodics.
602 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 766 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
603 - Queue all check watchers. 767 - Queue all check watchers.
604 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 768 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
605 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 769 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
606 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 770 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
607 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 771 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
612anymore. 776anymore.
613 777
614 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 778 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
615 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 779 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
616 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 780 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
617 ... jobs done. yeah! 781 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
618 782
619=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 783=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
620 784
621Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 785Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
622has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 786has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
623C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 787C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
624C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 788C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
625 789
626This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 790This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
627 791
792It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
793
628=item ev_ref (loop) 794=item ev_ref (loop)
629 795
630=item ev_unref (loop) 796=item ev_unref (loop)
631 797
632Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 798Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
633loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 799loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
634count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 800count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
635a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 801
636returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 802This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
803unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from
804returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
805before stopping it.
806
637example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 807As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
638visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 808is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
639no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 809exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
640way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 810excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
641libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 811third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
642(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 812before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
643respectively). 813before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
814(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
815in the callback).
644 816
645Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 817Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
646running when nothing else is active. 818running when nothing else is active.
647 819
648 struct ev_signal exitsig; 820 ev_signal exitsig;
649 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 821 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
650 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 822 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
651 evf_unref (loop); 823 evf_unref (loop);
652 824
653Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 825Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
654 826
655 ev_ref (loop); 827 ev_ref (loop);
656 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 828 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
657 829
658=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 830=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
659 831
660=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 832=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
661 833
662These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 834These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
663for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 835for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
664invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 836will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
837latency.
665 838
666Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 839Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
667allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 840allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
668increase efficiency of loop iterations. 841to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
842opportunities).
669 843
670The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 844The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
671handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 845one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
672the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 846program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
673events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 847events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
674overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 848overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
675 849
676By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 850By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
677time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 851time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
678at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 852at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
679C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 853C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
680introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 854introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
855sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
856once per this interval, on average.
681 857
682Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 858Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
683to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 859to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
684latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 860latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
685will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 861later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
686any overhead in libev. 862value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
687 863
688Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 864Many (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 865interval 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 866interactive 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>, 867usually 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. 868as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
869you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
870parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
871need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
872then you can't do more than 100 transations per second).
873
874Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
875saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
876are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
877times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
878reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
879they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
880
881Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
882more often than 100 times per second:
883
884 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
885 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
886
887=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
888
889This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
890pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required,
891but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy.
892
893=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
894
895Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
896are pending.
897
898=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
899
900This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
901invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call
902this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
903invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
904
905If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
906callback.
907
908=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
909
910Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
911can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
912each call to a libev function.
913
914However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to
915wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via
916C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release>
917and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
918
919When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
920suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
921afterwards.
922
923Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
924C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
925
926While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
927C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
928modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
929have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
930waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it
931to take note of any changes you made.
932
933In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between
934invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
935
936See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
937document.
938
939=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
940
941=item ev_userdata (loop)
942
943Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
944C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
945C<0.>
946
947These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
948and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
949C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
950any other purpose as well.
693 951
694=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 952=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
695 953
696This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 954This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
697compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks 955compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
698them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print 956through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
699an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>. 957is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
958error and call C<abort ()>.
700 959
701This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 960This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
702circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its 961circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
703data structures consistent. 962data structures consistent.
704 963
705=back 964=back
706 965
707 966
708=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 967=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
709 968
969In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
970watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
971watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
972
710A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 973A 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 974interest 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: 975become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
713 976
714 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 977 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
715 { 978 {
716 ev_io_stop (w); 979 ev_io_stop (w);
717 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 980 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
718 } 981 }
719 982
720 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 983 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
984
721 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 985 ev_io stdin_watcher;
986
722 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 987 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
723 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 988 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
724 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 989 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
990
725 ev_loop (loop, 0); 991 ev_loop (loop, 0);
726 992
727As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 993As 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, 994watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
729although this can sometimes be quite valid). 995stack).
996
997Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
998or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
730 999
731Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1000Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
732(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1001(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
733callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 1002callback 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 1003watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
735is readable and/or writable). 1004is readable and/or writable).
736 1005
737Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 1006Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
738with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 1007macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
739to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 1008is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
740(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1009ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
741 1010
742To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 1011To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
743with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 1012with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
744*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 1013*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
745corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1014corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
746 1015
747As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1016As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
748must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 1017must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
749reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 1018reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
750 1019
751Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1020Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
752registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1021registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
753third argument. 1022third argument.
754 1023
812 1081
813=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1082=item C<EV_ASYNC>
814 1083
815The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1084The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
816 1085
1086=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1087
1088Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1089by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
1090
817=item C<EV_ERROR> 1091=item C<EV_ERROR>
818 1092
819An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1093An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
820happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1094happen 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 1095ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1096problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1097
822problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1098You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
823with the watcher being stopped. 1099watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1100an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1101bug in your program.
824 1102
825Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 1103Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
826for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 1104example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
827your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 1105callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
828with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 1106the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
829programs, though, so beware. 1107programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1108thing, so beware.
830 1109
831=back 1110=back
832 1111
833=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1112=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
834
835In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
836e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
837 1113
838=over 4 1114=over 4
839 1115
840=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1116=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
841 1117
847which rolls both calls into one. 1123which rolls both calls into one.
848 1124
849You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1125You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
850(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1126(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
851 1127
852The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1128The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
853int revents)>. 1129int revents)>.
854 1130
1131Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1132
1133 ev_io w;
1134 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1135 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1136
855=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1137=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
856 1138
857This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1139This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
858call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1140call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
859call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1141call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
860macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1142macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
861difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 1143difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
862 1144
863Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 1145Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
864(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 1146(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
865 1147
1148See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1149
866=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 1150=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
867 1151
868This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 1152This 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 1153calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
870a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 1154a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
871 1155
1156Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1157
1158 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1159
872=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1160=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
873 1161
874Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1162Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
875events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1163events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
876 1164
1165Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1166whole section.
1167
1168 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1169
877=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1170=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
878 1171
879Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1172Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1173the watcher was active or not).
1174
880status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1175It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
881non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1176non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
882C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1177calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
883you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1178pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
884good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1179therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
885 1180
886=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1181=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
887 1182
888Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1183Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
889and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1184and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
905=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1200=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
906 1201
907Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1202Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
908(modulo threads). 1203(modulo threads).
909 1204
910=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1205=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
911 1206
912=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1207=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
913 1208
914Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1209Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
915integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1210integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
916(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1211(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
917before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1212before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
918from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1213from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
919 1214
920This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
921invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
922example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
923watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
924
925If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1215If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
926you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1216you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
927 1217
928You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1218You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
929pending. 1219pending.
930 1220
1221Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1222fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1223or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1224
931The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1225The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
932always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1226always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
933 1227
934Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1228See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
935fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1229priorities.
936or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
937 1230
938=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1231=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
939 1232
940Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1233Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
941C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1234C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
942can deal with that fact. 1235can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1236callback.
943 1237
944=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1238=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
945 1239
946If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1240If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
947and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1241returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
948watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1242watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
949 1243
1244Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1245callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1246
1247=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1248
1249Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1250had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1251initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1252not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1253
1254Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1255C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1256not started in the first place.
1257
1258See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1259functions that do not need a watcher.
1260
950=back 1261=back
951 1262
952 1263
953=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1264=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
954 1265
955Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1266Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
956and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1267and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
957to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1268to 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 1269don'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 1270member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
960data: 1271data:
961 1272
962 struct my_io 1273 struct my_io
963 { 1274 {
964 struct ev_io io; 1275 ev_io io;
965 int otherfd; 1276 int otherfd;
966 void *somedata; 1277 void *somedata;
967 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1278 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
968 } 1279 };
1280
1281 ...
1282 struct my_io w;
1283 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
969 1284
970And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1285And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
971can cast it back to your own type: 1286can cast it back to your own type:
972 1287
973 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1288 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
974 { 1289 {
975 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1290 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
976 ... 1291 ...
977 } 1292 }
978 1293
979More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1294More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
980instead have been omitted. 1295instead have been omitted.
981 1296
982Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1297Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
983watchers: 1298embedded watchers:
984 1299
985 struct my_biggy 1300 struct my_biggy
986 { 1301 {
987 int some_data; 1302 int some_data;
988 ev_timer t1; 1303 ev_timer t1;
989 ev_timer t2; 1304 ev_timer t2;
990 } 1305 }
991 1306
992In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1307In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
993you need to use C<offsetof>: 1308complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1309in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1310some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1311programmers):
994 1312
995 #include <stddef.h> 1313 #include <stddef.h>
996 1314
997 static void 1315 static void
998 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1316 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
999 { 1317 {
1000 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1318 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1001 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1319 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1002 } 1320 }
1003 1321
1004 static void 1322 static void
1005 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1323 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1006 { 1324 {
1007 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1325 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1008 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1326 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1009 } 1327 }
1328
1329=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1330
1331Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1332integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1333between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1334
1335In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1336description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1337range.
1338
1339There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1340by event loops:
1341
1342In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1343of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1344watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1345
1346The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1347callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1348watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1349before polling for new events.
1350
1351Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1352except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1353
1354The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1355watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1356libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1357their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1358common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1359priority ones.
1360
1361Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1362watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1363C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1364timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1365other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1366handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1367the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1368handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1369always, what you want).
1370
1371Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1372will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1373received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1374required.
1375
1376For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1377you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1378the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1379processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1380continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1381the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1382workable.
1383
1384Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1385miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1386it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1387idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1388the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1389
1390Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1391priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1392other events are pending:
1393
1394 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1395 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1396
1397 static void
1398 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1399 {
1400 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1401 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1402 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1403
1404 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1405 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1406 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1407 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1408 }
1409
1410 static void
1411 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1412 {
1413 // actual processing
1414 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1415
1416 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1417 // we have handled the event
1418 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1419 }
1420
1421 // initialisation
1422 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1423 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1424 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1425
1426In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1427low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1428enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1429during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1430important ones.
1010 1431
1011 1432
1012=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1433=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1013 1434
1014This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1435This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1038In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1459In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1039fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1460fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1040descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1461descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1041required if you know what you are doing). 1462required if you know what you are doing).
1042 1463
1043If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1464If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1044(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1465known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1045C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1466C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1467descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1468files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1046 1469
1047Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1470Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1048receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1471receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1049be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1472be 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 1473because 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 1474lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1052this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1475this 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 1476it 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. 1477C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1055 1478
1056If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1479If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1057play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1480not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1058whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1481re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1059such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1482interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1060its own, so its quite safe to use). 1483does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1484use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1485indefinitely.
1486
1487But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1061 1488
1062=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1489=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1063 1490
1064Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1491Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1065descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1492descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1066such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1493such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1067descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1494descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1068this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1495this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1069registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1496registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1070fact, a different file descriptor. 1497fact, a different file descriptor.
1071 1498
1102enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1529enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1103C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1530C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1104 1531
1105=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1532=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1106 1533
1107While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1534While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1108when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1535when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1109gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1536sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1110programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1537this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1111undesirable.
1112 1538
1113So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1539So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1114ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1540ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1115somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1541somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1116 1542
1543=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1544
1545Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1546found in port-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1547connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1548
1549For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1550of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1551rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1552the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1553typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1554
1555Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1556operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1557situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1558cope with overload is known (to me).
1559
1560One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1561- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1562situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1563event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1564
1565A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1566C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1567messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1568what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1569the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1570usage.
1571
1572If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1573descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1574when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1575close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1576clients under typical overload conditions.
1577
1578The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1579is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1580opportunity for a DoS attack.
1117 1581
1118=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1582=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1119 1583
1120=over 4 1584=over 4
1121 1585
1122=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1586=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1123 1587
1124=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1588=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1125 1589
1126Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1590Configures 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 1591receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1128C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1592C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1129 1593
1130=item int fd [read-only] 1594=item int fd [read-only]
1131 1595
1132The file descriptor being watched. 1596The file descriptor being watched.
1133 1597
1141 1605
1142Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1606Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1143readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1607readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1144attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1608attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1145 1609
1146 static void 1610 static void
1147 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1611 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1148 { 1612 {
1149 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1613 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1150 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1614 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1151 } 1615 }
1152 1616
1153 ... 1617 ...
1154 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1618 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1155 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1619 ev_io stdin_readable;
1156 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1620 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1157 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1621 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1158 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1622 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1159 1623
1160 1624
1161=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1625=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1162 1626
1163Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1627Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1164given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1628given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1165 1629
1166The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1630The 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 1631times 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 1632year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1169detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1633detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1170monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1634monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1635
1636The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1637passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1638might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1639same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1640before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1641no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1642
1643=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1644
1645Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1646recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1647you want to raise some error after a while.
1648
1649What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1650inefficient to smart and efficient.
1651
1652In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1653gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1654data or other life sign was received).
1655
1656=over 4
1657
1658=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1659
1660This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1661start the watcher:
1662
1663 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1664 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1665
1666Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1667and start it again:
1668
1669 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1670 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1671 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1672
1673This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1674some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1675data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1676still not a constant-time operation.
1677
1678=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1679
1680This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1681C<ev_timer_start>.
1682
1683To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1684of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1685successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1686you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1687the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1688
1689That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1690C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1691member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1692
1693At start:
1694
1695 ev_init (timer, callback);
1696 timer->repeat = 60.;
1697 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1698
1699Each time there is some activity:
1700
1701 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1702
1703It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1704whether the watcher is active or not:
1705
1706 timer->repeat = 30.;
1707 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1708
1709This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1710you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1711remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1712
1713It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1714
1715=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1716
1717This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1718relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1719our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1720associated activity resets.
1721
1722In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1723but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1724within the callback:
1725
1726 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1727
1728 static void
1729 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1730 {
1731 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1732 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1733
1734 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1735 if (timeout < now)
1736 {
1737 // timeout occured, take action
1738 }
1739 else
1740 {
1741 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1742 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1743 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1744 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1745 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1746 }
1747 }
1748
1749To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1750as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1751been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1752the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1753re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1754a timeout then.
1755
1756Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1757C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1758
1759This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1760minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1761libev to change the timeout.
1762
1763To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1764to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1765callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1766
1767 ev_init (timer, callback);
1768 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1769 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1770
1771And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1772C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1773
1774 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1775
1776This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1777time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1778
1779Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1780callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1781fix things for you.
1782
1783=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1784
1785If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1786employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1787do even better:
1788
1789When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1790at the I<end> of the list.
1791
1792Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1793the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1794
1795When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1796the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1797update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1798
1799This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1800starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1801complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1802ensures that the list stays sorted.
1803
1804=back
1805
1806So which method the best?
1807
1808Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1809situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1810better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1811one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1812
1813Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1814rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1815off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1816overkill :)
1817
1818=head3 The special problem of time updates
1819
1820Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1821least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1822time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1823growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1824lots of events in one iteration.
1171 1825
1172The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1826The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1173time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1827time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1174of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1828of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1175you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1829you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1176on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1830timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1177 1831
1178 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1832 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1179 1833
1180The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1834If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1181but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1835update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1182order of execution is undefined. 1836()>.
1837
1838=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1839
1840When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1841can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1842
1843Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1844all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1845to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1846system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1847was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1848towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1849clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1850long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1851be adjusted accordingly.
1852
1853I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1854operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1855
1856The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1857time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1858is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1859then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1860will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1861use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1862
1863It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1864and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1865deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1866C<SIGSTOP>).
1183 1867
1184=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1868=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1185 1869
1186=over 4 1870=over 4
1187 1871
1206This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1890This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1207repeating. The exact semantics are: 1891repeating. The exact semantics are:
1208 1892
1209If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1893If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1210 1894
1211If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1895If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1212 1896
1213If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1897If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1214C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1898C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1215 1899
1216This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1900This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1217example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1901usage example.
1218timeout, 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
1220configure 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
1222you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1223socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1224automatically restart it if need be.
1225 1902
1226That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> 1903=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1227altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1228 1904
1229 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1905Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1230 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1906then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1231 ... 1907the timeout value currently configured.
1232 timer->again = 17.;
1233 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1234 ...
1235 timer->again = 10.;
1236 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1237 1908
1238This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1909That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1239you want to modify its timeout value. 1910C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1911will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1912roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1913too), and so on.
1240 1914
1241=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1915=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1242 1916
1243The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1917The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1244or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1918or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1245which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1919which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1246 1920
1247=back 1921=back
1248 1922
1249=head3 Examples 1923=head3 Examples
1250 1924
1251Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1925Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1252 1926
1253 static void 1927 static void
1254 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1928 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1255 { 1929 {
1256 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1930 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1257 } 1931 }
1258 1932
1259 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1933 ev_timer mytimer;
1260 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1934 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1261 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1935 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1262 1936
1263Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1937Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1264inactivity. 1938inactivity.
1265 1939
1266 static void 1940 static void
1267 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1941 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1268 { 1942 {
1269 .. ten seconds without any activity 1943 .. ten seconds without any activity
1270 } 1944 }
1271 1945
1272 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1946 ev_timer mytimer;
1273 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1947 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1274 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1948 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1275 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1949 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1276 1950
1277 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1951 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1278 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1952 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1279 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1953 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1280 1954
1281 1955
1282=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1956=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1283 1957
1284Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1958Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1285(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1959(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1286 1960
1287Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1961Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1288but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1962relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1289to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1963(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1290periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1964difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1291+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 1965time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1292clock to january of the previous year, then it will take more than year 1966wrist-watch).
1293to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1294roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1295 1967
1968You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1969in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1970seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1971not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1972year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1973C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1974it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1975
1296C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1976C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1297such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1977timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1298complicated, rules. 1978other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1979those cannot react to time jumps.
1299 1980
1300As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1981As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1301time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1982point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1302during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1983timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1984earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1985(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1303 1986
1304=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1987=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1305 1988
1306=over 4 1989=over 4
1307 1990
1308=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1991=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1309 1992
1310=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1993=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1311 1994
1312Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1995Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1313operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1996operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1314 1997
1315=over 4 1998=over 4
1316 1999
1317=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2000=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1318 2001
1319In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wallclock 2002In 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 2003time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1321jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 2004time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1322run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time. 2005will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2006this point in time.
1323 2007
1324=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2008=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1325 2009
1326In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2010In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1327C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2011C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1328and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2012negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2013argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1329 2014
1330This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 2015This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1331time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on 2016system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1332the hour: 2017hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1333 2018
1334 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2019 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1335 2020
1336This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2021This 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 2022but 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 2023full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1339by 3600. 2024by 3600.
1340 2025
1341Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2026Another 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 2027C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1343time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2028time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1344 2029
1345For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2030For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1346C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2031C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1347this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2032this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1348 2033
1349Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (cpu 2034Note 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 2035speed 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 2036will 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). 2037millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1353 2038
1354=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2039=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1355 2040
1356In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2041In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1357ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2042ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1358reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2043reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1359current time as second argument. 2044current time as second argument.
1360 2045
1361NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2046NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1362ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2047or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2048allowed by documentation here>.
1363 2049
1364If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2050If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1365it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 2051it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1366only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2052only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1367 2053
1368The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 2054The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1369*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 2055*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1370 2056
2057 static ev_tstamp
1371 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2058 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1372 { 2059 {
1373 return now + 60.; 2060 return now + 60.;
1374 } 2061 }
1375 2062
1376It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 2063It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1396a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2083a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1397program when the crontabs have changed). 2084program when the crontabs have changed).
1398 2085
1399=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2086=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1400 2087
1401When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2088When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1402trigger next. 2089to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2090C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2091rescheduling modes.
1403 2092
1404=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2093=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1405 2094
1406When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2095When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1407absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2096absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2097although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1408 2098
1409Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2099Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1410timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2100timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1411 2101
1412=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2102=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1413 2103
1414The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 2104The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1415take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 2105take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1416called. 2106called.
1417 2107
1418=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 2108=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1419 2109
1420The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 2110The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1421switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 2111switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1422the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2112the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1423 2113
1424=back 2114=back
1425 2115
1426=head3 Examples 2116=head3 Examples
1427 2117
1428Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2118Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1429system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2119system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1430potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 2120potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1431 2121
1432 static void 2122 static void
1433 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 2123 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1434 { 2124 {
1435 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2125 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1436 } 2126 }
1437 2127
1438 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2128 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1439 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 2129 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1440 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2130 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1441 2131
1442Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 2132Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1443 2133
1444 #include <math.h> 2134 #include <math.h>
1445 2135
1446 static ev_tstamp 2136 static ev_tstamp
1447 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2137 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1448 { 2138 {
1449 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 2139 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1450 } 2140 }
1451 2141
1452 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 2142 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1453 2143
1454Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 2144Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1455 2145
1456 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2146 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1457 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2147 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1458 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2148 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1459 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2149 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1460 2150
1461 2151
1462=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2152=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1463 2153
1464Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2154Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1465signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2155signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1466will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2156will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1467normal event processing, like any other event. 2157normal event processing, like any other event.
1468 2158
2159If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2160C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2161the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2162synchronously wake up an event loop.
2163
1469You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2164You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2165only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2166default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2167C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2168the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2169
1470first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 2170When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1471with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 2171with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1472as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 2172you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1473watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1474SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1475 2173
1476If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2174If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1477C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 2175C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1478interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 2176not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1479signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2177interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1480them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2178and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2179
2180=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2181
2182Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2183(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2184stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2185and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2186
2187While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2188sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2189C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2190certain signals to be blocked.
2191
2192This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2193the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2194choice usually).
2195
2196The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2197to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2198catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2199
2200In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2201unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2202the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2203I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2204
2205So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2206you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2207is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1481 2208
1482=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2209=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1483 2210
1484=over 4 2211=over 4
1485 2212
1496 2223
1497=back 2224=back
1498 2225
1499=head3 Examples 2226=head3 Examples
1500 2227
1501Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2228Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1502 2229
1503 static void 2230 static void
1504 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2231 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1505 { 2232 {
1506 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2233 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1507 } 2234 }
1508 2235
1509 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2236 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1510 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2237 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1511 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2238 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1512 2239
1513 2240
1514=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2241=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1515 2242
1516Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 2243Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1517some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 2244some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1518is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 2245exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1519forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 2246has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1520loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 2247as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2248forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2249but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
2250in the next callback invocation is not.
1521 2251
1522Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2252Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1523you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 2253you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2254
2255Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2256handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2257libev)
1524 2258
1525=head3 Process Interaction 2259=head3 Process Interaction
1526 2260
1527Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2261Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1528initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2262initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1529the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 2263first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1530of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2264of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1531synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2265synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1532children, even ones not watched. 2266children, even ones not watched.
1533 2267
1534=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2268=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1538handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 2272handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1539C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 2273C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1540default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 2274default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1541event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 2275event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1542that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 2276that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
2277
2278=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2279
2280Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2281child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2282callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2283when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2284problem).
1543 2285
1544=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2286=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1545 2287
1546=over 4 2288=over 4
1547 2289
1576=head3 Examples 2318=head3 Examples
1577 2319
1578Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 2320Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1579its completion. 2321its completion.
1580 2322
1581 ev_child cw; 2323 ev_child cw;
1582 2324
1583 static void 2325 static void
1584 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 2326 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1585 { 2327 {
1586 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 2328 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1587 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 2329 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1588 } 2330 }
1589 2331
1590 pid_t pid = fork (); 2332 pid_t pid = fork ();
1591 2333
1592 if (pid < 0) 2334 if (pid < 0)
1593 // error 2335 // error
1594 else if (pid == 0) 2336 else if (pid == 0)
1595 { 2337 {
1596 // the forked child executes here 2338 // the forked child executes here
1597 exit (1); 2339 exit (1);
1598 } 2340 }
1599 else 2341 else
1600 { 2342 {
1601 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 2343 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1602 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 2344 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1603 } 2345 }
1604 2346
1605 2347
1606=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2348=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1607 2349
1608This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2350This 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 2351C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1610compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2352and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2353it did.
1611 2354
1612The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2355The 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 2356not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1614not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2357exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1615otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2358C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1616the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2359least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2360contents.
1617 2361
1618The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2362The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2363C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1619relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2364your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1620 2365
1621Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 2366Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1622calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 2367portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1623can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 2368to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1624a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 2369interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1625unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 2370recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1626five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 2371(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1627impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 2372change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1628usually overkill. 2373currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1629 2374
1630This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2375This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1631as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2376as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1632resource-intensive. 2377resource-intensive.
1633 2378
1634At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 2379At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1635implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 2380is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1636reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat 2381exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1637semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should 2382implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1638not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1639sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1640but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1641will be no polling.
1642 2383
1643=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 2384=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1644 2385
1645Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 2386Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1646compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 2387compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1647disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 2388support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1648structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 2389structure. 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 2390use 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 2391compile 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 2392obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1652most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 2393most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1653 2394
1654=head3 Inotify 2395The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
2396file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
2397optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
2398to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
2399default compilation environment.
1655 2400
2401=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
2402
1656When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2403When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1657available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2404runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1658change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2405inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1659when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2406watcher is being started.
1660 2407
1661Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2408Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1662except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2409except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1663making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 2410making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1664there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 2411there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2412but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2413many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2414a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2415xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1665 2416
1666(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2417There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1667implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2418implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1668descriptor open on the object at all times). 2419descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2420etc. is difficult.
2421
2422=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2423
2424Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2425the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2426()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2427
2428For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2429busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2430as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2431watcher).
2432
2433For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2434time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2435often takes multiple milliseconds.
2436
2437Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2438paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1669 2439
1670=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2440=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1671 2441
1672The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2442The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1673even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 2443and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1674only support whole seconds. 2444still only support whole seconds.
1675 2445
1676That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2446That 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 2447easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1678calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2448calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1679within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat 2449within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1680data does not change. 2450stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1681 2451
1682The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more 2452The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1683than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using 2453than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1684a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02); 2454a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1685ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). 2455ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1705C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2475C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1706be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2476be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1707a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2477a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1708path for as long as the watcher is active. 2478path for as long as the watcher is active.
1709 2479
1710The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative 2480The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1711to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change 2481relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1712was detected). 2482last change was detected).
1713 2483
1714=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2484=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1715 2485
1716Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2486Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1717watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid 2487watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1738 2508
1739The specified interval. 2509The specified interval.
1740 2510
1741=item const char *path [read-only] 2511=item const char *path [read-only]
1742 2512
1743The filesystem path that is being watched. 2513The file system path that is being watched.
1744 2514
1745=back 2515=back
1746 2516
1747=head3 Examples 2517=head3 Examples
1748 2518
1749Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2519Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1750 2520
1751 static void 2521 static void
1752 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2522 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1753 { 2523 {
1754 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2524 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1755 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2525 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1756 { 2526 {
1757 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2527 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1758 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2528 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1759 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2529 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1760 } 2530 }
1761 else 2531 else
1762 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2532 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1763 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2533 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1764 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2534 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1765 } 2535 }
1766 2536
1767 ... 2537 ...
1768 ev_stat passwd; 2538 ev_stat passwd;
1769 2539
1770 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2540 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1771 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2541 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1772 2542
1773Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2543Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1774miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2544miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1775one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2545one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1776C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2546C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1777 2547
1778 static ev_stat passwd; 2548 static ev_stat passwd;
1779 static ev_timer timer; 2549 static ev_timer timer;
1780 2550
1781 static void 2551 static void
1782 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2552 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1783 { 2553 {
1784 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2554 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1785 2555
1786 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2556 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1787 } 2557 }
1788 2558
1789 static void 2559 static void
1790 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2560 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1791 { 2561 {
1792 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2562 /* reset the one-second timer */
1793 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2563 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1794 } 2564 }
1795 2565
1796 ... 2566 ...
1797 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2567 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1798 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2568 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1799 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02); 2569 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1800 2570
1801 2571
1802=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2572=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1803 2573
1804Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2574Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1805priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2575priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1806count). 2576as receiving "events").
1807 2577
1808That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2578That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1809(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2579(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1810triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2580triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1811are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2581are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1822 2592
1823=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2593=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1824 2594
1825=over 4 2595=over 4
1826 2596
1827=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2597=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1828 2598
1829Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2599Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1830kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2600kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1831believe me. 2601believe me.
1832 2602
1835=head3 Examples 2605=head3 Examples
1836 2606
1837Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2607Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1838callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2608callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1839 2609
1840 static void 2610 static void
1841 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2611 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1842 { 2612 {
1843 free (w); 2613 free (w);
1844 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2614 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1845 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2615 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1846 } 2616 }
1847 2617
1848 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2618 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1849 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2619 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1850 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2620 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1851 2621
1852 2622
1853=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2623=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1854 2624
1855Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2625Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1856prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2626prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1857afterwards. 2627afterwards.
1858 2628
1859You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2629You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1860the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2630the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1863those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2633those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1864C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2634C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1865called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2635called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1866 2636
1867Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2637Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1868their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2638their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1869variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2639variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1870coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2640coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1871you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2641you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1872in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2642in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1873watcher). 2643watcher).
1874 2644
1875This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2645This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1876to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2646need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1877them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2647for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1878provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2648libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1879any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2649you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1880and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2650of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1881callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2651I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1882because you never know, you know?). 2652nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1883 2653
1884As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2654As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1885coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2655coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1886during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2656during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1887are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2657are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1890loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2660loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1891low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2661low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1892 2662
1893It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2663It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1894priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2664priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2665after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2666
1895after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2667Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1896too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2668activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1897supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers 2669might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1898did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2670C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1899(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2671loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1900state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2672C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1901coexist peacefully with others). 2673others).
1902 2674
1903=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2675=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1904 2676
1905=over 4 2677=over 4
1906 2678
1908 2680
1909=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2681=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1910 2682
1911Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2683Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1912parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2684parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1913macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2685macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2686pointless.
1914 2687
1915=back 2688=back
1916 2689
1917=head3 Examples 2690=head3 Examples
1918 2691
1927and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2700and 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 2701is 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 2702priority 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. 2703the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1931 2704
1932 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2705 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1933 static ev_timer tw; 2706 static ev_timer tw;
1934 2707
1935 static void 2708 static void
1936 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2709 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1937 { 2710 {
1938 } 2711 }
1939 2712
1940 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2713 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1941 static void 2714 static void
1942 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2715 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1943 { 2716 {
1944 int timeout = 3600000; 2717 int timeout = 3600000;
1945 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2718 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1946 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2719 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1947 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2720 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1948 2721
1949 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2722 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1950 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2723 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
1951 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2724 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1952 2725
1953 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2726 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1954 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2727 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1955 { 2728 {
1956 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2729 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1957 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2730 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1958 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2731 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1959 2732
1960 fds [i].revents = 0; 2733 fds [i].revents = 0;
1961 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2734 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1962 } 2735 }
1963 } 2736 }
1964 2737
1965 // stop all watchers after blocking 2738 // stop all watchers after blocking
1966 static void 2739 static void
1967 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2740 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1968 { 2741 {
1969 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2742 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1970 2743
1971 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2744 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1972 { 2745 {
1973 // set the relevant poll flags 2746 // set the relevant poll flags
1974 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2747 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1975 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2748 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1976 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2749 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1977 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2750 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1978 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2751 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1979 2752
1980 // now stop the watcher 2753 // now stop the watcher
1981 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2754 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1982 } 2755 }
1983 2756
1984 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2757 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1985 } 2758 }
1986 2759
1987Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2760Method 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. 2761in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1989 2762
1990Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2763Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1991notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2764notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1992callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2765callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1993 2766
1994 static void 2767 static void
1995 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2768 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1996 { 2769 {
1997 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2770 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1998 update_now (EV_A); 2771 update_now (EV_A);
1999 2772
2000 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2773 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2001 } 2774 }
2002 2775
2003 static void 2776 static void
2004 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2777 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2005 { 2778 {
2006 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2779 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2007 update_now (EV_A); 2780 update_now (EV_A);
2008 2781
2009 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2782 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2010 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2783 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2011 } 2784 }
2012 2785
2013 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2786 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2014 2787
2015Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2788Method 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 2789want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
2017their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2790override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
2018loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2791main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
2019this. 2792this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2793libglib event loop.
2020 2794
2021 static gint 2795 static gint
2022 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2796 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2023 { 2797 {
2024 int got_events = 0; 2798 int got_events = 0;
2025 2799
2026 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2800 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2027 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2801 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2028 2802
2029 if (timeout >= 0) 2803 if (timeout >= 0)
2030 // create/start timer 2804 // create/start timer
2031 2805
2032 // poll 2806 // poll
2033 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2807 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2034 2808
2035 // stop timer again 2809 // stop timer again
2036 if (timeout >= 0) 2810 if (timeout >= 0)
2037 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2811 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2038 2812
2039 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2813 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2040 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2814 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2041 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2815 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2042 2816
2043 return got_events; 2817 return got_events;
2044 } 2818 }
2045 2819
2046 2820
2047=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2821=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2048 2822
2049This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2823This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2055prioritise I/O. 2829prioritise I/O.
2056 2830
2057As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2831As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2058sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2832sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2059still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2833still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2060so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2834so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2061into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2835it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2062be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2836will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2063at least you can use both at what they are best. 2837C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2838best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2064 2839
2065As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2840As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2066to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2841some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2067priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2842and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2068you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2843this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2069a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2844the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2070 2845
2071As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2846As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2072there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2847time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2073call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2848must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2074their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2849sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2075loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2850C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2076to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2851to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2077embedded loop sweep.
2078 2852
2079As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2853You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2080callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2854will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2081set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2082interested in that.
2083 2855
2084Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2856Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2085when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2857is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2086but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2858embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2087yourself. 2859C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2088 2860
2089Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2861Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2090C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2862C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2091portable one. 2863portable one.
2092 2864
2093So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2865So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2094that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2866that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2095this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2867this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2096create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2868create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2097 2869
2870=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2871
2872While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2873automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2874fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2875however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2876as applicable.
2877
2098=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2878=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2099 2879
2100=over 4 2880=over 4
2101 2881
2102=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2882=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2105 2885
2106Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2886Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2107embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2887embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2108invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2888invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2109to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2889to 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). 2890if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2111 2891
2112=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2892=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2113 2893
2114Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2894Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2115similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2895similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2116apropriate way for embedded loops. 2896appropriate way for embedded loops.
2117 2897
2118=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2898=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2119 2899
2120The embedded event loop. 2900The embedded event loop.
2121 2901
2123 2903
2124=head3 Examples 2904=head3 Examples
2125 2905
2126Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2906Example: 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 2907event 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 2908loop 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 2909C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2130used). 2910used).
2131 2911
2132 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2912 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2133 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2913 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2134 struct ev_embed embed; 2914 ev_embed embed;
2135 2915
2136 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2916 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2137 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2917 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2138 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2918 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2139 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2919 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2140 : 0; 2920 : 0;
2141 2921
2142 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2922 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2143 if (loop_lo) 2923 if (loop_lo)
2144 { 2924 {
2145 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2925 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2146 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2926 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2147 } 2927 }
2148 else 2928 else
2149 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2929 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2150 2930
2151Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2931Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2152a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2932a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2153kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2933kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2154C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2934C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2155 2935
2156 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2936 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2157 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2937 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2158 struct ev_embed embed; 2938 ev_embed embed;
2159 2939
2160 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2940 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2161 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2941 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2162 { 2942 {
2163 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2943 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2164 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2944 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2165 } 2945 }
2166 2946
2167 if (!loop_socket) 2947 if (!loop_socket)
2168 loop_socket = loop; 2948 loop_socket = loop;
2169 2949
2170 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2950 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2171 2951
2172 2952
2173=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2953=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2174 2954
2175Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2955Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2178event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2958event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2179and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2959and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2180C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2960C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2181handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2961handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2182 2962
2963=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2964
2965Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2966up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2967sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2968
2969This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2970in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2971fork.
2972
2973The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2974forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2975when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2976
2977When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2978wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2979supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2980process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2981
2982The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2983simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2984use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2985memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2986disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2987signal watchers).
2988
2989When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2990other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2991C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2992the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2993have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2994also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2995
2183=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2996=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2184 2997
2185=over 4 2998=over 4
2186 2999
2187=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3000=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
2216=head3 Queueing 3029=head3 Queueing
2217 3030
2218C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3031C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2219is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3032is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2220multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3033multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2221need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3034need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3035semantics.
2222 3036
2223That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3037That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2224queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 3038queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2225queue: 3039queue:
2226 3040
2227=over 4 3041=over 4
2228 3042
2229=item queueing from a signal handler context 3043=item queueing from a signal handler context
2230 3044
2231To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 3045To 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 3046handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2233some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 3047an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2234 3048
2235 static ev_async mysig; 3049 static ev_async mysig;
2236 3050
2237 static void 3051 static void
2238 sigusr1_handler (void) 3052 sigusr1_handler (void)
2304=over 4 3118=over 4
2305 3119
2306=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 3120=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2307 3121
2308Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 3122Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2309kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3123kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2310believe me. 3124trust me.
2311 3125
2312=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3126=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2313 3127
2314Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3128Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2315an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3129an 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 3130C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2317similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3131similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2318section below on what exactly this means). 3132section below on what exactly this means).
2319 3133
3134Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3135compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3136is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3137reset when the event loop detects that).
3138
2320This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 3139This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2321so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3140iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2322calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3141repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2323 3142
2324=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3143=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2325 3144
2326Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3145Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2327watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3146watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2328event loop. 3147event loop.
2329 3148
2330C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3149C<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, 3150the 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 3151it 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. 3152quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2334 3153
2335Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 3154Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2336wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3155only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3156is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3157notification, and the callback being invoked.
2337 3158
2338=back 3159=back
2339 3160
2340 3161
2341=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3162=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2345=over 4 3166=over 4
2346 3167
2347=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3168=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2348 3169
2349This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3170This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2350callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 3171callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2351watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3172watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2352or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3173or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2353more watchers yourself. 3174more watchers yourself.
2354 3175
2355If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 3176If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2356is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 3177C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2357C<events> set will be craeted and started. 3178the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2358 3179
2359If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3180If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2360started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3181started. 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 3182repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2362dubious value.
2363 3183
2364The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3184The 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 3185passed 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> 3186C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2367value passed to C<ev_once>: 3187value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3188a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3189events precedence.
2368 3190
3191Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3192
2369 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3193 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2370 { 3194 {
2371 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2372 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2373 else if (revents & EV_READ) 3195 if (revents & EV_READ)
2374 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3196 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3197 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
3198 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2375 } 3199 }
2376 3200
2377 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3201 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2378 3202
2379=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2380
2381Feeds 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
2383initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2384
2385=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3203=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2386 3204
2387Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3205Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2388the given events it. 3206the given events it.
2389 3207
2390=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3208=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2391 3209
2392Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 3210Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2393loop!). 3211loop!).
2394 3212
2395=back 3213=back
2396 3214
2397 3215
2426=back 3244=back
2427 3245
2428=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3246=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2429 3247
2430Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3248Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2431you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3249you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2432the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3250the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2433 3251
2434To use it, 3252To use it,
2435 3253
2436 #include <ev++.h> 3254 #include <ev++.h>
2437 3255
2438This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3256This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2439of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3257of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2440put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3258put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2441options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 3259options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2475 3293
2476=over 4 3294=over 4
2477 3295
2478=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3296=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2479 3297
2480=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3298=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2481 3299
2482=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3300=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2483 3301
2484The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3302The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2485with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3303with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2508your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 3326your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2509thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 3327thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2510 3328
2511Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 3329Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2512 3330
2513 struct myclass 3331 struct myclass
2514 { 3332 {
2515 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3333 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2516 } 3334 }
2517 3335
2518 myclass obj; 3336 myclass obj;
2519 ev::io iow; 3337 ev::io iow;
2520 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3338 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3339
3340=item w->set (object *)
3341
3342This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3343
3344This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3345will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3346functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3347the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3348list.
3349
3350The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3351int revents)>.
3352
3353See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3354
3355Example: use a functor object as callback.
3356
3357 struct myfunctor
3358 {
3359 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3360 {
3361 ...
3362 }
3363 }
3364
3365 myfunctor f;
3366
3367 ev::io w;
3368 w.set (&f);
2521 3369
2522=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3370=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2523 3371
2524Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3372Also 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 3373callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2527 3375
2528The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 3376The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2529 3377
2530See the method-C<set> above for more details. 3378See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2531 3379
2532Example: 3380Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2533 3381
2534 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3382 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2535 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3383 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2536 3384
2537=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3385=item w->set (loop)
2538 3386
2539Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3387Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2540do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3388do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2541 3389
2542=item w->set ([args]) 3390=item w->set ([arguments])
2543 3391
2544Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 3392Basically 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 3393called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2546automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3394automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2547method. 3395method.
2548 3396
2549=item w->start () 3397=item w->start ()
2573=back 3421=back
2574 3422
2575Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3423Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2576the constructor. 3424the constructor.
2577 3425
2578 class myclass 3426 class myclass
2579 { 3427 {
2580 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3428 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2581 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3429 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2582 3430
2583 myclass (int fd) 3431 myclass (int fd)
2584 { 3432 {
2585 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3433 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2586 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3434 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2587 3435
2588 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3436 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2589 } 3437 }
2590 }; 3438 };
2591 3439
2592 3440
2593=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3441=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2594 3442
2595Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 3443Libev 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 3444number 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 3445any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2598me a note. 3446me a note.
2599 3447
2600=over 4 3448=over 4
2601 3449
2602=item Perl 3450=item Perl
2603 3451
2604The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 3452The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2605libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 3453libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2606there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 3454there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2607to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 3455to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2608C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 3456C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
3457and C<EV::Glib>).
2609 3458
2610It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 3459It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2611L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3460L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2612 3461
3462=item Python
3463
3464Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3465seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3466
2613=item Ruby 3467=item Ruby
2614 3468
2615Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3469Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2616of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3470of 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 3471more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2618L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3472L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2619 3473
3474Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3475makes rev work even on mingw.
3476
3477=item Haskell
3478
3479A haskell binding to libev is available at
3480L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3481
2620=item D 3482=item D
2621 3483
2622Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3484Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2623be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 3485be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3486
3487=item Ocaml
3488
3489Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3490L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3491
3492=item Lua
3493
3494Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3495time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3496L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
2624 3497
2625=back 3498=back
2626 3499
2627 3500
2628=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3501=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2629 3502
2630Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 3503Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2631of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 3504of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2632functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 3505functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2633 3506
2634To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 3507To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2635following macros are defined: 3508following macros are defined:
2640 3513
2641This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3514This 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, 3515loop 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: 3516C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2644 3517
2645 ev_unref (EV_A); 3518 ev_unref (EV_A);
2646 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3519 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2647 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3520 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2648 3521
2649It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3522It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2650which is often provided by the following macro. 3523which is often provided by the following macro.
2651 3524
2652=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3525=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2653 3526
2654This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3527This 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, 3528loop 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: 3529C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2657 3530
2658 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3531 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2659 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3532 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2660 3533
2661 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3534 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2662 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3535 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2663 3536
2664It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3537It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2665suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3538suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2666 3539
2667=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3540=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2683 3556
2684Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3557Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2685macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3558macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2686or not. 3559or not.
2687 3560
2688 static void 3561 static void
2689 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3562 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2690 { 3563 {
2691 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3564 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2692 } 3565 }
2693 3566
2694 ev_check check; 3567 ev_check check;
2695 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3568 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2696 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3569 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2697 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3570 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2698 3571
2699=head1 EMBEDDING 3572=head1 EMBEDDING
2700 3573
2701Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3574Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2702applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3575applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2709libev somewhere in your source tree). 3582libev somewhere in your source tree).
2710 3583
2711=head2 FILESETS 3584=head2 FILESETS
2712 3585
2713Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3586Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2714in your app. 3587in your application.
2715 3588
2716=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3589=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2717 3590
2718To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3591To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2719configuration (no autoconf): 3592configuration (no autoconf):
2720 3593
2721 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3594 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2722 #include "ev.c" 3595 #include "ev.c"
2723 3596
2724This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3597This 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 3598single 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 3599it, 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 3600done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2728where you can put other configuration options): 3601where you can put other configuration options):
2729 3602
2730 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3603 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2731 #include "ev.h" 3604 #include "ev.h"
2732 3605
2733Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3606Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2734compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3607compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2735as a bug). 3608as a bug).
2736 3609
2737You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3610You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2738in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3611in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2739 3612
2740 ev.h 3613 ev.h
2741 ev.c 3614 ev.c
2742 ev_vars.h 3615 ev_vars.h
2743 ev_wrap.h 3616 ev_wrap.h
2744 3617
2745 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3618 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2746 3619
2747 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3620 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) 3621 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) 3622 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) 3623 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) 3624 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2752 3625
2753F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3626F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2754to compile this single file. 3627to compile this single file.
2755 3628
2756=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3629=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2757 3630
2758To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3631To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2759 3632
2760 #include "event.c" 3633 #include "event.c"
2761 3634
2762in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3635in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2763 3636
2764 #include "event.h" 3637 #include "event.h"
2765 3638
2766in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3639in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2767 3640
2768You need the following additional files for this: 3641You need the following additional files for this:
2769 3642
2770 event.h 3643 event.h
2771 event.c 3644 event.c
2772 3645
2773=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3646=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2774 3647
2775Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3648Instead 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 3649whatever 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 3650F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2778include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3651include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2779 3652
2780For this of course you need the m4 file: 3653For this of course you need the m4 file:
2781 3654
2782 libev.m4 3655 libev.m4
2783 3656
2784=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3657=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2785 3658
2786Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3659Libev 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 3660define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
2788autoconf is noted for every option. 3661the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3662
3663Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3664values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3665to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breakign compatibility
3666to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3667users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3668settings.
2789 3669
2790=over 4 3670=over 4
2791 3671
2792=item EV_STANDALONE 3672=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
2793 3673
2794Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3674Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2795keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3675keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2796implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3676implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2797supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3677supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2798F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3678F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2799 3679
3680In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3681configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3682
2800=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3683=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2801 3684
2802If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3685If 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 3686monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2804of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3687use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2805usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3688you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2806the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3689when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2807to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3690to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2808function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3691function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2809 3692
2810=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3693=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2811 3694
2812If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3695If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2813realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3696real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2814runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3697at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2815be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3698option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2816(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3699by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2817note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3700correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3701C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3702C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3703
3704=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3705
3706If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3707of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3708exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3709unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3710programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3711theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3712the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3713higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2818 3714
2819=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3715=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2820 3716
2821If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3717If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2822and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3718and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
28302.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 37262.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2831 3727
2832=item EV_USE_SELECT 3728=item EV_USE_SELECT
2833 3729
2834If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3730If 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 3731C<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 3732other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2837will not be compiled in. 3733will not be compiled in.
2838 3734
2839=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3735=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2840 3736
2841If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3737If 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 3738structure. 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 3739C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2844exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3740on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2845low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3741some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2846allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3742only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2847influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3743configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2848 3744
2849=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3745=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2850 3746
2851When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3747When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2852select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3748select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2854be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3750be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2855C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3751C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2856it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3752it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2857on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3753on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2858 3754
2859=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3755=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
2860 3756
2861If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3757If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2862file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3758file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2863default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3759default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2864correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3760correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2865in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3761in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3762
3763=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3764
3765If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3766using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3767their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3768to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3769
3770=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3771
3772If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3773macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3774file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3775the underlying OS handle.
2866 3776
2867=item EV_USE_POLL 3777=item EV_USE_POLL
2868 3778
2869If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3779If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2870backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3780backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2897otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3807otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2898backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3808backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2899 3809
2900=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3810=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2901 3811
2902reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3812Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2903 3813
2904=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3814=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2905 3815
2906If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3816If 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 3817interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2914access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3824access 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 3825type 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" 3826that 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. 3827as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2918 3828
2919In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3829In 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. 3830(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2921 3831
2922=item EV_H 3832=item EV_H (h)
2923 3833
2924The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3834The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2925undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3835undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2926used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3836used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2927 3837
2928=item EV_CONFIG_H 3838=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
2929 3839
2930If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3840If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2931F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3841F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2932C<EV_H>, above. 3842C<EV_H>, above.
2933 3843
2934=item EV_EVENT_H 3844=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
2935 3845
2936Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3846Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2937of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 3847of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2938 3848
2939=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3849=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
2940 3850
2941If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3851If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2942prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3852prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2943occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 3853occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2944around libev functions. 3854around libev functions.
2963When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3873When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2964all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3874all 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 3875and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2966fine. 3876fine.
2967 3877
2968If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3878If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2969C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3879both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2970 3880
2971=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3881=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
3882EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
3883EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
2972 3884
2973If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3885If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
2974defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3886the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
2975code. 3887is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves codesize.
2976 3888
2977=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 3889=item EV_FEATURES
2978
2979If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2980defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2981code.
2982
2983=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2984
2985If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2986defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2987
2988=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2989
2990If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2991defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2992
2993=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2994
2995If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2996defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2997
2998=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2999
3000If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3001defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3002
3003=item EV_MINIMAL
3004 3890
3005If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3891If 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 3892speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3007inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. It also selects a 3893certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3008much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 3894that can be enabled on the platform.
3895
3896A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3897with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3898additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
3899but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
3900backend, use this:
3901
3902 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3903 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3904 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3905 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
3906 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
3907
3908The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
3909values:
3910
3911=over 4
3912
3913=item C<1> - faster/larger code
3914
3915Use larger code to speed up some operations.
3916
3917Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the roughly
391830% code size on amd64.
3919
3920When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
3921gcc recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
3922assertions.
3923
3924=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
3925
3926Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
3927hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase codesize
3928and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
3929runtime.
3930
3931=item C<4> - full API configuration
3932
3933This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
3934enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
3935
3936=item C<8> - full API
3937
3938This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
3939details on which parts of the API are still available without this
3940feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
3941
3942=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
3943
3944Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
3945only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
3946embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
3947C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
3948
3949=item C<32> - enable all backends
3950
3951This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
3952least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
3953
3954=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
3955
3956Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
3957default.
3958
3959=back
3960
3961Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
3962reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
3963code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
3964watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
3965
3966With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
3967when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
3968your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
3969I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
3970
3971=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
3972
3973If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
3974functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the codesize
3975somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
3976libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
3977big.
3978
3979Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
3980enabled.
3981
3982=item EV_NSIG
3983
3984The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3985signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3986automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3987specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3988good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev
3989statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3009 3990
3010=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3991=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3011 3992
3012C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3993C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3013pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3994pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3014than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3995usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3015increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 3996might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3016 3997
3017=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 3998=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3018 3999
3019C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4000C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3020inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4001inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3021usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4002disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3022watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4003C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3023two). 4004power of two).
3024 4005
3025=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4006=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3026 4007
3027Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4008Heaps 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 4009timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3029to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 4010to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3030noticably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4011faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3031 4012
3032The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4013The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3033(disabled). 4014will be C<0>.
3034 4015
3035=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4016=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3036 4017
3037Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4018Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3038timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4019timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3039the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4020the 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, 4021which 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 4022but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3042noticably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4023noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3043 4024
3044The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4025The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3045(disabled). 4026will be C<0>.
3046 4027
3047=item EV_VERIFY 4028=item EV_VERIFY
3048 4029
3049Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4030Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3050be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4031be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3052called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4033called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3053called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4034called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3054verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4035verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3055libev considerably. 4036libev considerably.
3056 4037
3057The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4038The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3058C<0.> 4039will be C<0>.
3059 4040
3060=item EV_COMMON 4041=item EV_COMMON
3061 4042
3062By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4043By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3063this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4044this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3064members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4045members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3065though, and it must be identical each time. 4046though, and it must be identical each time.
3066 4047
3067For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4048For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3068 4049
3069 #define EV_COMMON \ 4050 #define EV_COMMON \
3070 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 4051 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
3071 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 4052 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
3072 4053
3073=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 4054=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
3074 4055
3075=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 4056=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
3076 4057
3081definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 4062definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3082their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 4063their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3083avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 4064avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3084method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 4065method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3085 4066
4067=back
4068
3086=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 4069=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3087 4070
3088If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 4071If 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 4072exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3090all public symbols, one per line: 4073all public symbols, one per line:
3091 4074
3092 Symbols.ev for libev proper 4075 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3093 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 4076 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3094 4077
3095This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 4078This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3096multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 4079multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3097itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 4080itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3098 4081
3099A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 4082A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3100include before including F<ev.h>: 4083include before including F<ev.h>:
3101 4084
3102 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 4085 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3119file. 4102file.
3120 4103
3121The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4104The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3122that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4105that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3123 4106
3124 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4107 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3125 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4108 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3126 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3127 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4109 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4110 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3128 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4111 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3129 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4112 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4113 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3130 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4114 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3131 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3132 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3133 4115
3134 #include "ev++.h" 4116 #include "ev++.h"
3135 4117
3136And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4118And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3137 4119
3138 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4120 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3139 #include "ev.c" 4121 #include "ev.c"
3140 4122
4123=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3141 4124
3142=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4125=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3143 4126
3144=head2 THREADS 4127=head3 THREADS
3145 4128
3146Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 4129All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
4130documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3147means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 4131that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3148only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 4132are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3149parameter. 4133parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
4134of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
4135structures that need any locking.
3150 4136
3151Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 4137Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3152parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 4138concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3153done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 4139must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3154thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 4140only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3155per loop). 4141a mutex per loop).
3156 4142
3157If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot 4143Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
4144so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
4145concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
4146outside".
4147
4148If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
4149without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3158help you but by giving some generic advice: 4150help you, but here is some generic advice:
3159 4151
3160=over 4 4152=over 4
3161 4153
3162=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 4154=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. 4155in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3164 4156
3165This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 4157This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3166themselves and don't care/know about threading. 4158themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3167 4159
3168=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 4160=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3169 4161
3170Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 4162Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3171exists, but it is always a good start. 4163exists, but it is always a good start.
3172 4164
3173=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 4165=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. 4166loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3175 4167
3176Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 4168Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3177better than you currently do :-) 4169better than you currently do :-)
3178 4170
3179=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 4171=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
4172event loop.
4173
3180event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 4174C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3181threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 4175(or from signal contexts...).
4176
4177An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
4178work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
4179default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4180watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3182 4181
3183=back 4182=back
3184 4183
4184=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4185
4186Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4187thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4188created/added/removed.
4189
4190For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4191which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4192languages).
4193
4194The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4195variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4196event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4197
4198First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4199
4200 typedef struct {
4201 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4202 ev_async async_w;
4203 thread_t tid;
4204 cond_t invoke_cv;
4205 } userdata;
4206
4207 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4208 {
4209 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4210 static userdata u;
4211
4212 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4213 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4214
4215 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4216 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4217
4218 // now associate this with the loop
4219 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4220 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4221 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4222
4223 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4224 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4225 }
4226
4227The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4228solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4229that might have been added:
4230
4231 static void
4232 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4233 {
4234 // just used for the side effects
4235 }
4236
4237The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4238protecting the loop data, respectively.
4239
4240 static void
4241 l_release (EV_P)
4242 {
4243 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4244 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4245 }
4246
4247 static void
4248 l_acquire (EV_P)
4249 {
4250 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4251 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4252 }
4253
4254The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4255into C<ev_loop>:
4256
4257 void *
4258 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4259 {
4260 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4261
4262 l_acquire (EV_A);
4263 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4264 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
4265 l_release (EV_A);
4266
4267 return 0;
4268 }
4269
4270Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4271signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4272writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4273have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4274and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4275watchers is very beneficial):
4276
4277 static void
4278 l_invoke (EV_P)
4279 {
4280 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4281
4282 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4283 {
4284 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4285 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4286 }
4287 }
4288
4289Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4290will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4291thread to continue:
4292
4293 static void
4294 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4295 {
4296 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4297
4298 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4299 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4300 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4301 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4302 }
4303
4304Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4305event loop, you will now have to lock:
4306
4307 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4308 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4309
4310 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4311
4312 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4313 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4314 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4315 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4316
4317Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4318an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4319about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4320watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4321
3185=head2 COROUTINES 4322=head3 COROUTINES
3186 4323
3187Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4324Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3188libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 4325libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3189coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4326coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3190different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4327different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3191loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4328the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3192you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4329that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3193 4330
3194Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 4331Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3195state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 4332C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3196switches. 4333they do not call any callbacks.
3197 4334
4335=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3198 4336
3199=head1 COMPLEXITIES 4337Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4338lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
4339scared by this.
3200 4340
3201In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 4341However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3202libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 4342has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3203documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 4343warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
4344targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3204 4345
3205All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 4346Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3206extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 4347workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3207happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 4348maintainable.
3208mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3209it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3210 4349
3211=over 4 4350And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4351wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4352seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4353warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
4354been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4355such buggy versions.
3212 4356
3213=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 4357While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4358"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4359with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
4360them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
4361warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3214 4362
3215This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3216there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3217have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3218 4363
3219=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 4364=head2 VALGRIND
3220 4365
3221That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 4366Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3222as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 4367highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3223 4368
3224=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 4369If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
4370in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3225 4371
3226These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 4372 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
4373 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
4374 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3227 4375
3228=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 4376Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
4377is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3229 4378
3230=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 4379Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
4380as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
4381although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
4382confused.
3231 4383
3232These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 4384Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3233correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 4385make it into some kind of religion.
3234have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3235 4386
3236=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 4387If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
4388with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
4389is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
4390annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
4391of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3237 4392
3238By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 4393If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3239fixed position in the storage array. 4394I suggest using suppression lists.
3240 4395
3241=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3242 4396
3243A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 4397=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3244libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3245on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3246 4398
3247=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 4399=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3248
3249=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3250
3251Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3252priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3253linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3254watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3255
3256=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3257
3258=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3259
3260=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3261
3262Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3263calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3264involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3265
3266=back
3267
3268
3269=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3270 4400
3271Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4401Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3272requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4402requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3273model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4403model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3274the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4404the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3281way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4411way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3282 4412
3283There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4413There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3284embedding it into other applications. 4414embedding it into other applications.
3285 4415
4416Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4417tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
4418
4419Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
4420accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
4421either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
4422so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
4423megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
4424available).
4425
3286Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 4426Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3287the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4427the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3288is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4428is 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 4429more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3290different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4430different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3291notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4431notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3292(microsoft monopoly games). 4432(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
4433
4434A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
4435section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
4436of F<ev.h>:
4437
4438 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
4439 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
4440
4441 #include "ev.h"
4442
4443And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
4444you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4445
4446 #include "evwrap.h"
4447 #include "ev.c"
3293 4448
3294=over 4 4449=over 4
3295 4450
3296=item The winsocket select function 4451=item The winsocket select function
3297 4452
3298The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 4453The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3299socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 4454requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3300very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 4455also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3301to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 4456requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3302C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 4457C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3303symbols for more info. 4458discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
4459C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3304 4460
3305The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 4461The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3306libraries and raw winsocket select is: 4462libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3307 4463
3308 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 4464 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3309 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4465 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3310 4466
3311Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4467Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3312complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4468complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3313 4469
3314=item Limited number of file descriptors 4470=item Limited number of file descriptors
3315 4471
3316Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4472Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3317 4473
3318Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4474Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3319of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4475of 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 4476can 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 4477recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3322previous thread in each. Great). 4478previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3323 4479
3324Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4480Newer 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 4481to 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 4482call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3327select emulation on windows). 4483other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3328 4484
3329Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 4485Another 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 4486libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3331or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4487fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3332C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4488by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3333arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 4489(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3334libraries.
3335
3336This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4490runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3337windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4491(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3338wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4492you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3339calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4493the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3340 4494
3341=back 4495=back
3342 4496
3343
3344=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4497=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3345 4498
3346In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 4499In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3347additional extensions: 4500backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3348 4501
3349=over 4 4502=over 4
3350 4503
4504=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
4505calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
4506
4507Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4508structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4509assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4510callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4511calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4512
3351=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4513=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3352 4514
3353The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4515The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3354C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 4516C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3355threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4517threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3356believed to be sufficiently portable. 4518believed to be sufficiently portable.
3357 4519
3358=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 4520=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3359 4521
3368except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 4530except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3369well. 4531well.
3370 4532
3371=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 4533=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3372 4534
3373To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 4535To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3374internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 4536instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3375non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 4537systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3376is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 4538least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3377millions of watchers. 4539watchers.
3378 4540
3379=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4541=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3380 4542
3381The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4543The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3382have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4544have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3383enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4545enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3384implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4546implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing
4547ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least
45482200.
3385 4549
3386=back 4550=back
3387 4551
3388If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4552If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3389 4553
3390 4554
3391=head1 VALGRIND 4555=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3392 4556
3393Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 4557In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3394highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret. 4558libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
4559the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3395 4560
3396If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 4561All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3397in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like: 4562extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
4563happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
4564mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
4565average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3398 4566
3399 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4567=over 4
3400 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3401 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3402 4568
3403then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 4569=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3404valgrind 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).
3406 4570
3407If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 4571This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3408with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 4572there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3409a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 4573have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3410no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3411properly.
3412 4574
3413If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 4575=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3414I suggest using suppression lists.
3415 4576
4577That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
4578as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
4579
4580=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4581
4582These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
4583
4584=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4585
4586=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
4587
4588These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
4589correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
4590have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
4591is rare).
4592
4593=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
4594
4595By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
4596fixed position in the storage array.
4597
4598=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
4599
4600A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
4601libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
4602on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
4603
4604=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
4605
4606=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
4607
4608Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
4609priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
4610linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
4611watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4612
4613=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4614
4615=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4616
4617=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4618
4619Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4620calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4621involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4622
4623=back
4624
4625
4626=head1 GLOSSARY
4627
4628=over 4
4629
4630=item active
4631
4632A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4633an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4634
4635=item application
4636
4637In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4638
4639=item callback
4640
4641The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4642detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4643received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4644
4645=item callback invocation
4646
4647The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4648
4649=item event
4650
4651A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4652for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4653any other events happening anymore.
4654
4655In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4656C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4657
4658=item event library
4659
4660A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4661
4662=item event loop
4663
4664An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4665into callback invocations.
4666
4667=item event model
4668
4669The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4670watchers and events.
4671
4672=item pending
4673
4674A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4675and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
4676pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4677
4678A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4679its pending status.
4680
4681=item real time
4682
4683The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4684
4685=item wall-clock time
4686
4687The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4688be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4689clock.
4690
4691=item watcher
4692
4693A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4694to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4695
4696=item watcher invocation
4697
4698The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4699
4700=back
3416 4701
3417=head1 AUTHOR 4702=head1 AUTHOR
3418 4703
3419Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4704Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3420 4705

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