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Revision 1.134 by root, Sat Mar 8 07:04:56 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.170 by root, Sat Jul 5 02:25:40 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
245
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 284
253=over 4 285=over 4
254 286
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 288
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 293
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 295function.
264 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
271 307
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
283 319
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 321
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 327around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
298 334
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 341
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 344flag.
309 345
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 347environment variable.
312 348
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 350
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 356
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
327 363
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 365
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup. 381support for dup.
346 382
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
352 388
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
356 392
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360 396
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
363 399
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 401
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
373 409
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 413
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 420
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 422
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 438
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 441
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 445
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 449might perform better.
414 450
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
418 454
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 456
424 460
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 462
427=back 463=back
428 464
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 468
433The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
434 470
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 473
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
440 476
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 478
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
446 482
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 484
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 486
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 497
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 501
462=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 503
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 510for example).
471 511
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
554those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
555case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
556 596
557A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
558neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
559your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
560one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
561external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
562libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
563usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
624respectively). 664respectively).
625 665
626Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 666Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
627running when nothing else is active. 667running when nothing else is active.
628 668
629 struct ev_signal exitsig; 669 struct ev_signal exitsig;
630 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 670 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
631 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 671 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
632 evf_unref (loop); 672 evf_unref (loop);
633 673
634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 674Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
635 675
636 ev_ref (loop); 676 ev_ref (loop);
637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 677 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638 678
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 679=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640 680
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 681=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642 682
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 704to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 705latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
666will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 706will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
667any overhead in libev. 707any overhead in libev.
668 708
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 709Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 710interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 711interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 712usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 713as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
714
715=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
716
717This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
718compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
719them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
720an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
721
722This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
723circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
724data structures consistent.
674 725
675=back 726=back
676 727
677 728
678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 729=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
679 730
680A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 731A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
681interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 732interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
682become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 733become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
683 734
684 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 735 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
685 { 736 {
686 ev_io_stop (w); 737 ev_io_stop (w);
687 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 738 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
688 } 739 }
689 740
690 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 741 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
691 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 742 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
692 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 743 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
693 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 744 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
694 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 745 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
695 ev_loop (loop, 0); 746 ev_loop (loop, 0);
696 747
697As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 748As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
698watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 749watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
699although this can sometimes be quite valid). 750although this can sometimes be quite valid).
700 751
701Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 752Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
702(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 753(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
703callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 754callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
704watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 755watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
705is readable and/or writable). 756is readable and/or writable).
706 757
707Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 758Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
708with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 759with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
784 835
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 836The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786 837
787=item C<EV_ERROR> 838=item C<EV_ERROR>
788 839
789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 840An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 841happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
791ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 842ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
792problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 843problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
793with the watcher being stopped. 844with the watcher being stopped.
794 845
795Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 846Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
796for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 847for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
797your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 848your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
798with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 849with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
799programs, though, so beware. 850programs, though, so beware.
800 851
801=back 852=back
802 853
803=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 854=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
833Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 884Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
834(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 885(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
835 886
836=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 887=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
837 888
838This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 889This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
839calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 890calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
840a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 891a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
841 892
842=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 893=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
843 894
844Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 895Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
927to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 978to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
928don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 979don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
929member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 980member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
930data: 981data:
931 982
932 struct my_io 983 struct my_io
933 { 984 {
934 struct ev_io io; 985 struct ev_io io;
935 int otherfd; 986 int otherfd;
936 void *somedata; 987 void *somedata;
937 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 988 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
938 } 989 }
939 990
940And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 991And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
941can cast it back to your own type: 992can cast it back to your own type:
942 993
943 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 994 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
944 { 995 {
945 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 996 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
946 ... 997 ...
947 } 998 }
948 999
949More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1000More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
950instead have been omitted. 1001instead have been omitted.
951 1002
952Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1003Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
953watchers: 1004watchers:
954 1005
955 struct my_biggy 1006 struct my_biggy
956 { 1007 {
957 int some_data; 1008 int some_data;
958 ev_timer t1; 1009 ev_timer t1;
959 ev_timer t2; 1010 ev_timer t2;
960 } 1011 }
961 1012
962In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1013In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
963you need to use C<offsetof>: 1014you need to use C<offsetof>:
964 1015
965 #include <stddef.h> 1016 #include <stddef.h>
966 1017
967 static void 1018 static void
968 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1019 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
969 { 1020 {
970 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1021 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
971 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1022 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
972 } 1023 }
973 1024
974 static void 1025 static void
975 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1026 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
976 { 1027 {
977 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1028 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
978 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1029 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
979 } 1030 }
980 1031
981 1032
982=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1033=head1 WATCHER TYPES
983 1034
984This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1035This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1064If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1065(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1066C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1016 1067
1017Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1068Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1018receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1069receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1019be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1070be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1020because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1071because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1021lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1072lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1022this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1073this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1023it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1074it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1024C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1075C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1025 1076
1026If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1077If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1027play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1078play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1028whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1079whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1029such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1080such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1030its own, so its quite safe to use). 1081its own, so its quite safe to use).
1031 1082
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1083=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1121To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1122C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1123enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1124C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074 1125
1126=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1127
1128While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1129when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1130gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1131programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1132undesirable.
1133
1134So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1135ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1136somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1137
1075 1138
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1139=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1077 1140
1078=over 4 1141=over 4
1079 1142
1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1143=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1081 1144
1082=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1145=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1083 1146
1084Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1147Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1085rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1148receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1086C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1149C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1087 1150
1088=item int fd [read-only] 1151=item int fd [read-only]
1089 1152
1090The file descriptor being watched. 1153The file descriptor being watched.
1099 1162
1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1163Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1164readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1165attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1103 1166
1104 static void 1167 static void
1105 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1168 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1106 { 1169 {
1107 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1170 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1108 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1171 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1109 } 1172 }
1110 1173
1111 ... 1174 ...
1112 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1175 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1113 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1176 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1114 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1177 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1115 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1178 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1116 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1179 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1117 1180
1118 1181
1119=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1182=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1120 1183
1121Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1184Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1122given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1185given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1123 1186
1124The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1187The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1125times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1188times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1126time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1189year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1127detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1190detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1128monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1191monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1129 1192
1130The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1193The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1131time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1194time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1133you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1196you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
1134on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1197on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1135 1198
1136 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1199 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1137 1200
1138The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1201The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1139but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1202but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1140order of execution is undefined. 1203order of execution is undefined.
1141 1204
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1205=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143 1206
1145 1208
1146=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1209=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1147 1210
1148=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1211=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1149 1212
1150Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1213Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1151C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1214is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1152timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1215reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1153later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1216configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1217until stopped manually.
1154 1218
1155The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1219The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1220you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1221trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1222keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1223do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1160 1224
1161=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1225=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1162 1226
1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1227This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1164repeating. The exact semantics are: 1228repeating. The exact semantics are:
1165 1229
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1230If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167 1231
1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1232If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1169 1233
1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1234If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1171C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1235C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1172 1236
1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1237This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1174example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1238example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1175timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1239timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1176seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1240seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1177configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1241configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1178C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1242C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1179you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1243you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1205 1269
1206=head3 Examples 1270=head3 Examples
1207 1271
1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1272Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1209 1273
1210 static void 1274 static void
1211 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1275 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1212 { 1276 {
1213 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1277 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1214 } 1278 }
1215 1279
1216 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1280 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1217 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1281 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1218 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1282 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1219 1283
1220Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1284Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1221inactivity. 1285inactivity.
1222 1286
1223 static void 1287 static void
1224 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1288 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1225 { 1289 {
1226 .. ten seconds without any activity 1290 .. ten seconds without any activity
1227 } 1291 }
1228 1292
1229 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1293 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1230 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1294 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1231 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1295 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1232 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1233 1297
1234 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1298 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1235 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1299 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1236 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1300 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1237 1301
1238 1302
1239=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1303=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1240 1304
1241Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1305Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1242(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1306(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1243 1307
1244Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1308Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1245but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1309but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1246to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1310to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1247periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1311periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1248+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1312+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1313clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1249take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1314to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1250roughly 10 seconds later). 1315roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1251 1316
1252They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1317C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1318such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1254rules. 1319complicated, rules.
1255 1320
1256As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1321As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1322time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1323during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1259 1324
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261 1326
1262=over 4 1327=over 4
1270 1335
1271=over 4 1336=over 4
1272 1337
1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1338=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1274 1339
1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1340In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1341time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1342jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1278system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1343run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1279 1344
1280=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1345=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1281 1346
1282In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1347In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1348C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1349and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1285 1350
1286This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1351This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1287time: 1352time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1353the hour:
1288 1354
1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1355 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1290 1356
1291This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1357This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1292but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1358but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1293full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1359full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1294by 3600. 1360by 3600.
1295 1361
1296Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1362Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1297C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1363C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1364time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1299 1365
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1366For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1367C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value. 1368this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1369
1370Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1371speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1372will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1373millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1303 1374
1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1375=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1305 1376
1306In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1377In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1378ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1379reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1309current time as second argument. 1380current time as second argument.
1310 1381
1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1382NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1312ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1383ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1315 1384
1385If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1386it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1387only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1388
1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1389The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1390*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1318 1391
1319 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1392 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1320 { 1393 {
1321 return now + 60.; 1394 return now + 60.;
1322 } 1395 }
1324It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1397It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1325(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1398(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1326will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1399will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1327might be called at other times, too. 1400might be called at other times, too.
1328 1401
1329NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1402NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1330passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1403equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1331 1404
1332This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1405This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1333triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1406triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1334next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1407next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1335you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1408you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1336reason I omitted it as an example). 1409reason I omitted it as an example).
1337 1410
1338=back 1411=back
1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1415Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1343when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1416when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1417a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1345program when the crontabs have changed). 1418program when the crontabs have changed).
1346 1419
1420=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1421
1422When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1423trigger next.
1424
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1425=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348 1426
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1427When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1428absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351 1429
1362 1440
1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1441The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1364switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1442switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1443the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1366 1444
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1372=back 1445=back
1373 1446
1374=head3 Examples 1447=head3 Examples
1375 1448
1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1449Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1450system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1451potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1379 1452
1380 static void 1453 static void
1381 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1454 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1455 {
1383 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1456 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1384 } 1457 }
1385 1458
1386 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1459 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1387 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1460 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1388 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1461 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1389 1462
1390Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1463Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1391 1464
1392 #include <math.h> 1465 #include <math.h>
1393 1466
1394 static ev_tstamp 1467 static ev_tstamp
1395 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1468 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1396 { 1469 {
1397 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1470 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1398 } 1471 }
1399 1472
1400 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1473 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1401 1474
1402Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1475Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1403 1476
1404 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1477 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1405 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1478 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1406 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1479 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1407 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1480 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1408 1481
1409 1482
1410=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1483=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1411 1484
1412Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1485Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1419with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1492with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1420as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1493as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1421watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1494watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1495SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1423 1496
1497If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1498C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1499interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1500signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1501them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1502
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425 1504
1426=over 4 1505=over 4
1427 1506
1428=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1507=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1440 1519
1441=head3 Examples 1520=head3 Examples
1442 1521
1443Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1522Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1444 1523
1445 static void 1524 static void
1446 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1525 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447 { 1526 {
1448 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1527 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449 } 1528 }
1450 1529
1451 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1530 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1531 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1532 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1454 1533
1455 1534
1456=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1535=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1457 1536
1458Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1537Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1460is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1539is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1461forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1540forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1462loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1541loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1463 1542
1464Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1543Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1465you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1544you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1466 1545
1467=head3 Process Interaction 1546=head3 Process Interaction
1468 1547
1469Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1548Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1470initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1549initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1471the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1550the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1472of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1551of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1473synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1552synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1474children, even ones not watched. 1553children, even ones not watched.
1475 1554
1476=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1555=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1518=head3 Examples 1597=head3 Examples
1519 1598
1520Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1599Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1521its completion. 1600its completion.
1522 1601
1523 ev_child cw; 1602 ev_child cw;
1524 1603
1525 static void 1604 static void
1526 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1605 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1527 { 1606 {
1528 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1607 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1529 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1608 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1530 } 1609 }
1531 1610
1532 pid_t pid = fork (); 1611 pid_t pid = fork ();
1533 1612
1534 if (pid < 0) 1613 if (pid < 0)
1535 // error 1614 // error
1536 else if (pid == 0) 1615 else if (pid == 0)
1537 { 1616 {
1538 // the forked child executes here 1617 // the forked child executes here
1539 exit (1); 1618 exit (1);
1540 } 1619 }
1541 else 1620 else
1542 { 1621 {
1543 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1622 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1544 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1623 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1545 } 1624 }
1546 1625
1547 1626
1548=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1627=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1549 1628
1550This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1629This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1551C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1630C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1552compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1631compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1553 1632
1554The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1633The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1555not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1634not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1573as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1652as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1574resource-intensive. 1653resource-intensive.
1575 1654
1576At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1655At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1577implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1656implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1657reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1578reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1658semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1579semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1659not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1580to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1660sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1581usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1661but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1582polling. 1662will be no polling.
1663
1664=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1665
1666Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1667compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1668support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1669structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1670use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1671compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1672obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1673most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1674
1675The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1676file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1677optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1678to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1679default compilation environment.
1583 1680
1584=head3 Inotify 1681=head3 Inotify
1585 1682
1586When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1683When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1587available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1684available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1588change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1685change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1589when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1686when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1590 1687
1591Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1688Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1592except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1689except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1593making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1690making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1594there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1691there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1595 1692
1596(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1693(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1597implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1694implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1598descriptor open on the object at all times). 1695descriptor open on the object at all times).
1599 1696
1600=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1697=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1601 1698
1602The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1699The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1603even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1700even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1604only support whole seconds. 1701only support whole seconds.
1605 1702
1606That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1703That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1607miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1704easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1608your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1705calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1609the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1706within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1707data does not change.
1610 1708
1611The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1709The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1612the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1710than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1613(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1711a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1614is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1712ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1615systems. 1713
1714The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1715of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1716might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1717C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1718a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1719update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1720the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1721the timer callback).
1616 1722
1617=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1723=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1618 1724
1619=over 4 1725=over 4
1620 1726
1626C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1732C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1627be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1733be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1628a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1734a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1629path for as long as the watcher is active. 1735path for as long as the watcher is active.
1630 1736
1631The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1737The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1632relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1738to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1633last change was detected). 1739was detected).
1634 1740
1635=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1741=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1636 1742
1637Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1743Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1638watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1744watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1639detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1745detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1640useful simply to find out the new values. 1746the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1747new values.
1641 1748
1642=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1749=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1643 1750
1644The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1751The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1645C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1752C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1646suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1753suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1754members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1647was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1755some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1648 1756
1649=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1757=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1650 1758
1651The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1759The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1652C<prev> != C<attr>. 1760C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1761differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1762C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1653 1763
1654=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1764=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1655 1765
1656The specified interval. 1766The specified interval.
1657 1767
1658=item const char *path [read-only] 1768=item const char *path [read-only]
1659 1769
1660The filesystem path that is being watched. 1770The file system path that is being watched.
1661 1771
1662=back 1772=back
1663 1773
1664=head3 Examples 1774=head3 Examples
1665 1775
1666Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1776Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1667 1777
1668 static void 1778 static void
1669 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1779 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1670 { 1780 {
1671 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1781 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1672 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1782 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1673 { 1783 {
1674 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1784 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1675 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1785 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1676 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1786 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1677 } 1787 }
1678 else 1788 else
1679 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1789 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1680 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1790 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1681 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1791 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1682 } 1792 }
1683 1793
1684 ... 1794 ...
1685 ev_stat passwd; 1795 ev_stat passwd;
1686 1796
1687 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1797 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1688 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1798 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1689 1799
1690Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1800Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1691miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1801miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1692one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1802one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1693C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1803C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1694 1804
1695 static ev_stat passwd; 1805 static ev_stat passwd;
1696 static ev_timer timer; 1806 static ev_timer timer;
1697 1807
1698 static void 1808 static void
1699 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1809 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1700 { 1810 {
1701 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1811 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1702 1812
1703 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1813 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1704 } 1814 }
1705 1815
1706 static void 1816 static void
1707 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1817 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1708 { 1818 {
1709 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1819 /* reset the one-second timer */
1710 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1820 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1711 } 1821 }
1712 1822
1713 ... 1823 ...
1714 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1824 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1715 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1825 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1716 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1826 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1717 1827
1718 1828
1719=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1829=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1720 1830
1721Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1831Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1752=head3 Examples 1862=head3 Examples
1753 1863
1754Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1864Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1755callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1865callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1756 1866
1757 static void 1867 static void
1758 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1868 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1759 { 1869 {
1760 free (w); 1870 free (w);
1761 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1871 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1762 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1872 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1763 } 1873 }
1764 1874
1765 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1875 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1766 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1876 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1767 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1877 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1768 1878
1769 1879
1770=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1880=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1771 1881
1772Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1882Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1791 1901
1792This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1902This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1793to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1903to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1794them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1904them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1795provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1905provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1796any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1906any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1797and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1907and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1798callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1908callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1799because you never know, you know?). 1909because you never know, you know?).
1800 1910
1801As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1911As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1809 1919
1810It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1920It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1811priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1921priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1812after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1922after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1813too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1923too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1814supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1924supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1815did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1925did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1816(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1926(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1817state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1927state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1818coexist peacefully with others). 1928coexist peacefully with others).
1819 1929
1834=head3 Examples 1944=head3 Examples
1835 1945
1836There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1946There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1837into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1947into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1838(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1948(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1839use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1949use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1840embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1950Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1841into the Glib event loop). 1951Glib event loop).
1842 1952
1843Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1953Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1844and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1954and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1845is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1955is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1846priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1956priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1847the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1957the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1848 1958
1849 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1959 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1850 static ev_timer tw; 1960 static ev_timer tw;
1851 1961
1852 static void 1962 static void
1853 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1963 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1854 { 1964 {
1855 } 1965 }
1856 1966
1857 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1967 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1858 static void 1968 static void
1859 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1969 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1860 { 1970 {
1861 int timeout = 3600000; 1971 int timeout = 3600000;
1862 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1972 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1863 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1973 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1864 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1974 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1865 1975
1866 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1976 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1867 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1977 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1868 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1978 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1869 1979
1870 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1980 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1871 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1981 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1872 { 1982 {
1873 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1983 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1874 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1984 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1875 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1985 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1876 1986
1877 fds [i].revents = 0; 1987 fds [i].revents = 0;
1878 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1988 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1879 } 1989 }
1880 } 1990 }
1881 1991
1882 // stop all watchers after blocking 1992 // stop all watchers after blocking
1883 static void 1993 static void
1884 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1994 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1885 { 1995 {
1886 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1996 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1887 1997
1888 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1998 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1889 { 1999 {
1890 // set the relevant poll flags 2000 // set the relevant poll flags
1891 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2001 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1892 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2002 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1893 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2003 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1894 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2004 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1895 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2005 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1896 2006
1897 // now stop the watcher 2007 // now stop the watcher
1898 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2008 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1899 } 2009 }
1900 2010
1901 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2011 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1902 } 2012 }
1903 2013
1904Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2014Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1905in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2015in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1906 2016
1907Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2017Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1908notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2018notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1909callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2019callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1910 2020
1911 static void 2021 static void
1912 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2022 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1913 { 2023 {
1914 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2024 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1915 update_now (EV_A); 2025 update_now (EV_A);
1916 2026
1917 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2027 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1918 } 2028 }
1919 2029
1920 static void 2030 static void
1921 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2031 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1922 { 2032 {
1923 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2033 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1924 update_now (EV_A); 2034 update_now (EV_A);
1925 2035
1926 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2036 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1927 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2037 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1928 } 2038 }
1929 2039
1930 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2040 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1931 2041
1932Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2042Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1933want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2043want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1934their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2044their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1935loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2045loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1936this. 2046this.
1937 2047
1938 static gint 2048 static gint
1939 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2049 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1940 { 2050 {
1941 int got_events = 0; 2051 int got_events = 0;
1942 2052
1943 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2053 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1944 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2054 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1945 2055
1946 if (timeout >= 0) 2056 if (timeout >= 0)
1947 // create/start timer 2057 // create/start timer
1948 2058
1949 // poll 2059 // poll
1950 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2060 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1951 2061
1952 // stop timer again 2062 // stop timer again
1953 if (timeout >= 0) 2063 if (timeout >= 0)
1954 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2064 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1955 2065
1956 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2066 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1957 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2067 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1958 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2068 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1959 2069
1960 return got_events; 2070 return got_events;
1961 } 2071 }
1962 2072
1963 2073
1964=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2074=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1965 2075
1966This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2076This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2022 2132
2023Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2133Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2024embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2134embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2025invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2135invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2026to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2136to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2027if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2137if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2028 2138
2029=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2139=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2030 2140
2031Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2141Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2032similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2142similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2033apropriate way for embedded loops. 2143appropriate way for embedded loops.
2034 2144
2035=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2145=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2036 2146
2037The embedded event loop. 2147The embedded event loop.
2038 2148
2040 2150
2041=head3 Examples 2151=head3 Examples
2042 2152
2043Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2153Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2044event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2154event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2045loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2155loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2046C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2156C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2047used). 2157used).
2048 2158
2049 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2159 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2050 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2160 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2051 struct ev_embed embed; 2161 struct ev_embed embed;
2052 2162
2053 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2163 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2054 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2164 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2055 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2165 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2056 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2166 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2057 : 0; 2167 : 0;
2058 2168
2059 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2169 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2060 if (loop_lo) 2170 if (loop_lo)
2061 { 2171 {
2062 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2172 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2063 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2173 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2064 } 2174 }
2065 else 2175 else
2066 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2176 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2067 2177
2068Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2178Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2069a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2179a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2070kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2180kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2071C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2181C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2072 2182
2073 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2183 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2074 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2184 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2075 struct ev_embed embed; 2185 struct ev_embed embed;
2076 2186
2077 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2187 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2078 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2188 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2079 { 2189 {
2080 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2190 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2081 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2191 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2082 } 2192 }
2083 2193
2084 if (!loop_socket) 2194 if (!loop_socket)
2085 loop_socket = loop; 2195 loop_socket = loop;
2086 2196
2087 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2197 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2088 2198
2089 2199
2090=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2200=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2091 2201
2092Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2202Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2145 2255
2146=item queueing from a signal handler context 2256=item queueing from a signal handler context
2147 2257
2148To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2258To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2149handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2259handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2150some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2260some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2151 2261
2152 static ev_async mysig; 2262 static ev_async mysig;
2153 2263
2154 static void 2264 static void
2155 sigusr1_handler (void) 2265 sigusr1_handler (void)
2229=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2339=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2230 2340
2231Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2341Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2232an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2342an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2233C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2343C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2234similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2344similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2235section below on what exactly this means). 2345section below on what exactly this means).
2236 2346
2237This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2347This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2238so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2348so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2239calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2349calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2350
2351=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2352
2353Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2354watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2355event loop.
2356
2357C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2358the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2359it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2360quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2361
2362Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2363whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2240 2364
2241=back 2365=back
2242 2366
2243 2367
2244=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2368=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2255or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2379or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2256more watchers yourself. 2380more watchers yourself.
2257 2381
2258If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2382If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2259is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2383is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2260C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2384C<events> set will be created and started.
2261 2385
2262If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2386If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2263started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2387started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2264repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2388repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2265dubious value. 2389dubious value.
2267The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2391The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2268passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2392passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2269C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2393C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2270value passed to C<ev_once>: 2394value passed to C<ev_once>:
2271 2395
2272 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2396 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2273 { 2397 {
2274 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2398 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2275 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2399 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2276 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2400 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2277 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2401 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2278 } 2402 }
2279 2403
2280 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2404 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2281 2405
2282=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2406=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2283 2407
2284Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2408Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2285had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2409had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2290Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2414Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2291the given events it. 2415the given events it.
2292 2416
2293=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2417=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2294 2418
2295Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2419Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2296loop!). 2420loop!).
2297 2421
2298=back 2422=back
2299 2423
2300 2424
2316 2440
2317=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2441=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2318will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2442will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2319is an ev_pri field. 2443is an ev_pri field.
2320 2444
2445=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2446first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2447
2321=item * Other members are not supported. 2448=item * Other members are not supported.
2322 2449
2323=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2450=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2324to use the libev header file and library. 2451to use the libev header file and library.
2325 2452
2326=back 2453=back
2327 2454
2328=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2455=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2329 2456
2330Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2457Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2331you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2458you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2332the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2459the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2333 2460
2334To use it, 2461To use it,
2335 2462
2336 #include <ev++.h> 2463 #include <ev++.h>
2337 2464
2338This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2465This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2339of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2466of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2340put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2467put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2341options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2468options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2408your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2535your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2409thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2536thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2410 2537
2411Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2538Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2412 2539
2413 struct myclass 2540 struct myclass
2414 { 2541 {
2415 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2542 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2416 } 2543 }
2417 2544
2418 myclass obj; 2545 myclass obj;
2419 ev::io iow; 2546 ev::io iow;
2420 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2547 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2421 2548
2422=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2549=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2423 2550
2424Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2551Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2425callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2552callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2429 2556
2430See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2557See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2431 2558
2432Example: 2559Example:
2433 2560
2434 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2561 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2435 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2562 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2436 2563
2437=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2564=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2438 2565
2439Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2566Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2440do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2567do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2441 2568
2442=item w->set ([args]) 2569=item w->set ([arguments])
2443 2570
2444Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2571Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2445called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2572called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2446automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2573automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2447method. 2574method.
2448 2575
2449=item w->start () 2576=item w->start ()
2473=back 2600=back
2474 2601
2475Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2602Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2476the constructor. 2603the constructor.
2477 2604
2478 class myclass 2605 class myclass
2479 { 2606 {
2480 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2607 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2481 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2608 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2482 2609
2483 myclass (int fd) 2610 myclass (int fd)
2484 { 2611 {
2485 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2612 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2486 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2613 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2487 2614
2488 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2615 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2489 } 2616 }
2490 }; 2617 };
2618
2619
2620=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2621
2622Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2623number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2624any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2625me a note.
2626
2627=over 4
2628
2629=item Perl
2630
2631The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2632libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2633there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2634to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2635C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2636
2637It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2638L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2639
2640=item Python
2641
2642Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2643seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2644patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2645for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2646libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2647libev).
2648
2649=item Ruby
2650
2651Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2652of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2653more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2654L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2655
2656=item D
2657
2658Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2659be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>.
2660
2661=back
2491 2662
2492 2663
2493=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2664=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2494 2665
2495Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2666Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2496of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2667of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2497functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2668functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2498 2669
2499To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2670To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2500following macros are defined: 2671following macros are defined:
2505 2676
2506This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2677This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2507loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2678loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2508C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2679C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2509 2680
2510 ev_unref (EV_A); 2681 ev_unref (EV_A);
2511 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2682 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2512 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2683 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2513 2684
2514It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2685It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2515which is often provided by the following macro. 2686which is often provided by the following macro.
2516 2687
2517=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2688=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2518 2689
2519This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2690This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2520loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2691loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2521C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2692C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2522 2693
2523 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2694 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2524 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2695 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2525 2696
2526 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2697 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2527 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2698 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2528 2699
2529It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2700It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2530suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2701suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2531 2702
2532=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2703=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2533 2704
2534Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2705Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2535loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2706loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2707
2708=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2709
2710Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2711default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2712is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2713execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2714
2715It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2716watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2536 2717
2537=back 2718=back
2538 2719
2539Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2720Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2540macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2721macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2541or not. 2722or not.
2542 2723
2543 static void 2724 static void
2544 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2725 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2545 { 2726 {
2546 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2727 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2547 } 2728 }
2548 2729
2549 ev_check check; 2730 ev_check check;
2550 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2731 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2551 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2732 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2552 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2733 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2553 2734
2554=head1 EMBEDDING 2735=head1 EMBEDDING
2555 2736
2556Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2737Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2557applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2738applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2564libev somewhere in your source tree). 2745libev somewhere in your source tree).
2565 2746
2566=head2 FILESETS 2747=head2 FILESETS
2567 2748
2568Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2749Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2569in your app. 2750in your application.
2570 2751
2571=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2752=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2572 2753
2573To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2754To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2574configuration (no autoconf): 2755configuration (no autoconf):
2575 2756
2576 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2757 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2577 #include "ev.c" 2758 #include "ev.c"
2578 2759
2579This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2760This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2580single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2761single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2581it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2762it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2582done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2763done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2583where you can put other configuration options): 2764where you can put other configuration options):
2584 2765
2585 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2766 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2586 #include "ev.h" 2767 #include "ev.h"
2587 2768
2588Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2769Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2589compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2770compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2590as a bug). 2771as a bug).
2591 2772
2592You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2773You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2593in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2774in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2594 2775
2595 ev.h 2776 ev.h
2596 ev.c 2777 ev.c
2597 ev_vars.h 2778 ev_vars.h
2598 ev_wrap.h 2779 ev_wrap.h
2599 2780
2600 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2781 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2601 2782
2602 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2783 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2603 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2784 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2604 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2785 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2605 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2786 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2606 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2787 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2607 2788
2608F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2789F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2609to compile this single file. 2790to compile this single file.
2610 2791
2611=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2792=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2612 2793
2613To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2794To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2614 2795
2615 #include "event.c" 2796 #include "event.c"
2616 2797
2617in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2798in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2618 2799
2619 #include "event.h" 2800 #include "event.h"
2620 2801
2621in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2802in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2622 2803
2623You need the following additional files for this: 2804You need the following additional files for this:
2624 2805
2625 event.h 2806 event.h
2626 event.c 2807 event.c
2627 2808
2628=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2809=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2629 2810
2630Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2811Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2631whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2812whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2632F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2813F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2633include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2814include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2634 2815
2635For this of course you need the m4 file: 2816For this of course you need the m4 file:
2636 2817
2637 libev.m4 2818 libev.m4
2638 2819
2639=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2820=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2640 2821
2641Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2822Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2642before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2823define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2643and only include the select backend. 2824autoconf is noted for every option.
2644 2825
2645=over 4 2826=over 4
2646 2827
2647=item EV_STANDALONE 2828=item EV_STANDALONE
2648 2829
2653F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2834F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2654 2835
2655=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2836=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2656 2837
2657If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2838If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2658monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2839monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2659of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2840of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2660usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2841usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2661the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2842the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2662to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2843to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2663function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2844function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2664 2845
2665=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2846=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2666 2847
2667If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2848If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2668realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2849real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2669runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2850runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2670be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2851be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2671(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2852(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2672note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2853note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2673 2854
2674=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2855=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2675 2856
2676If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2857If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2677and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2858and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2678 2859
2860=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2861
2862If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2863available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2864C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2865If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28662.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2867
2679=item EV_USE_SELECT 2868=item EV_USE_SELECT
2680 2869
2681If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2870If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2682C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2871C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2683other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2872other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2684will not be compiled in. 2873will not be compiled in.
2685 2874
2686=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2875=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2687 2876
2688If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2877If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2689structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2878structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2690C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2879C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2691exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2880exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2692low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2881low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2693allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2882allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2694influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2883influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2695 2884
2719 2908
2720=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2909=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2721 2910
2722If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2911If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2723C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2912C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2724otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2913otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2725preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2914backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2915headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2726 2916
2727=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2917=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2728 2918
2729If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2919If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2730C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2920C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2743otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2933otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2744backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2934backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2745 2935
2746=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2936=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2747 2937
2748reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2938Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2749 2939
2750=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2940=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2751 2941
2752If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2942If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2753interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2943interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2754be detected at runtime. 2944be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2945indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2755 2946
2756=item EV_ATOMIC_T 2947=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2757 2948
2758Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 2949Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2759access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2950access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2760type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2951type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2761that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2952that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2762as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2953as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2763 2954
2764In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2955In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2765(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2956(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2766 2957
2767=item EV_H 2958=item EV_H
2768 2959
2769The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2960The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2808When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 2999When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2809all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3000all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2810and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3001and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2811fine. 3002fine.
2812 3003
2813If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3004If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2814C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3005C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2815 3006
2816=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3007=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2817 3008
2818If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3009If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2819defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3010defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2846defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3037defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2847 3038
2848=item EV_MINIMAL 3039=item EV_MINIMAL
2849 3040
2850If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3041If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2851speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3042speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2852some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3043inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3044much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2853 3045
2854=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3046=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2855 3047
2856C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3048C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2857pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3049pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2864inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3056inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2865usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3057usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2866watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3058watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2867two). 3059two).
2868 3060
3061=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3062
3063Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3064timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3065to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3066noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3067
3068The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3069(disabled).
3070
3071=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3072
3073Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3074timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3075the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3076which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3077but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3078noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3079
3080The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3081(disabled).
3082
3083=item EV_VERIFY
3084
3085Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3086be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3087in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3088called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3089called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3090verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3091libev considerably.
3092
3093The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3094C<0.>
3095
2869=item EV_COMMON 3096=item EV_COMMON
2870 3097
2871By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3098By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2872this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3099this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2873members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3100members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2874though, and it must be identical each time. 3101though, and it must be identical each time.
2875 3102
2876For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3103For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2877 3104
2878 #define EV_COMMON \ 3105 #define EV_COMMON \
2879 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3106 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2880 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3107 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2881 3108
2882=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3109=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2883 3110
2884=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3111=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2885 3112
2892avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3119avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2893method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3120method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2894 3121
2895=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3122=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2896 3123
2897If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3124If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2898exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3125exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2899all public symbols, one per line: 3126all public symbols, one per line:
2900 3127
2901 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3128 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2902 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3129 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2903 3130
2904This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3131This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2905multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3132multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2906itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3133itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2907 3134
2908A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3135A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2909include before including F<ev.h>: 3136include before including F<ev.h>:
2910 3137
2911 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3138 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2928file. 3155file.
2929 3156
2930The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3157The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2931that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3158that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2932 3159
2933 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3160 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2934 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3161 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2935 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3162 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2936 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3163 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2937 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3164 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2938 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3165 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2939 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3166 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2940 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3167 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2941 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3168 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2942 3169
2943 #include "ev++.h" 3170 #include "ev++.h"
2944 3171
2945And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3172And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2946 3173
2947 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3174 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2948 #include "ev.c" 3175 #include "ev.c"
3176
3177
3178=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3179
3180=head2 THREADS
3181
3182Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3183means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3184only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3185parameter.
3186
3187Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3188parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3189done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3190thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3191per loop).
3192
3193If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3194without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3195help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3196
3197=over 4
3198
3199=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3200in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3201
3202This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3203themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3204
3205=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3206
3207Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3208exists, but it is always a good start.
3209
3210=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3211loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3212
3213Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3214better than you currently do :-)
3215
3216=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3217event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3218threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3219
3220=back
3221
3222=head2 COROUTINES
3223
3224Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3225libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3226coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3227different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3228loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3229you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3230
3231Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3232state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3233switches.
2949 3234
2950 3235
2951=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3236=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2952 3237
2953In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3238In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2985correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3270correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2986have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3271have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2987 3272
2988=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3273=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2989 3274
2990By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3275By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2991beginning of the storage array. 3276fixed position in the storage array.
2992 3277
2993=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3278=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2994 3279
2995A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3280A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2996libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3281libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2997on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3282on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2998 3283
2999=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3284=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3000 3285
3001=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3286=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3002 3287
3009 3294
3010=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3295=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3011 3296
3012=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3297=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3013 3298
3014Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3299Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3015calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3300calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3016involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3301involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3017 3302
3018=back 3303=back
3019 3304
3020 3305
3021=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3306=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3022 3307
3023Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3308Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3024requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3309requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3025model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3310model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3026the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3311the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3027descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3312descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3028e.g. cygwin. 3313e.g. cygwin.
3029 3314
3315Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3316re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3317things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3318way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3319
3030There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3320There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3031embedding it into other applications. 3321embedding it into other applications.
3032 3322
3323Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3324accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3325either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3326so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3327megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3328available).
3329
3033Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3330Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3034abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3331the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3035recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3332is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3036a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3333more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3037implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3334different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3038be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3335notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3336(Microsoft monopoly games).
3337
3338A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3339section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3340of F<ev.h>:
3341
3342 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3343 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3344
3345 #include "ev.h"
3346
3347And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3348you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3349
3350 #include "evwrap.h"
3351 #include "ev.c"
3039 3352
3040=over 4 3353=over 4
3041 3354
3042=item The winsocket select function 3355=item The winsocket select function
3043 3356
3044The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3357The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3045socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3358requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3046very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3359also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3047to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3360requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3048C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3361C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3049symbols for more info. 3362discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3363C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3050 3364
3051The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3365The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3052libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3366libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3053 3367
3054 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3368 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3055 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3369 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3056 3370
3057Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3371Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3058complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3372complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3059 3373
3060=item Limited number of file descriptors 3374=item Limited number of file descriptors
3061 3375
3062Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3376Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3063of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3377
3378Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3064(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3379of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3065C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3380can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3066chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3381recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3382previous thread in each. Great).
3067 3383
3068Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3384Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3069to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3385to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3070call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3386call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3071select emulation on windows). 3387select emulation on windows).
3072 3388
3073Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3389Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3074libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3390libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3075or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3391or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3076C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3392C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3077arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3393arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3078libraries. 3394libraries.
3079 3395
3080This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3396This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3081windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3397windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3082wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3398wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3083calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3399calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3084 3400
3085=back 3401=back
3086 3402
3087 3403
3404=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3405
3406In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3407additional extensions:
3408
3409=over 4
3410
3411=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3412calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3413
3414Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3415structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3416assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3417callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3418calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3419
3420=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3421
3422The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3423C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3424threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3425believed to be sufficiently portable.
3426
3427=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3428
3429Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3430allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3431pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3432thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3433be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3434C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3435
3436The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3437except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3438well.
3439
3440=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3441
3442To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3443internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3444non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3445is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3446millions of watchers.
3447
3448=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3449
3450The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3451have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3452enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3453implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3454
3455=back
3456
3457If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3458
3459
3460=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3461
3462Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3463lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3464scared by this.
3465
3466However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3467has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3468warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3469targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3470
3471Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3472workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3473maintainable.
3474
3475And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3476wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3477seems to warn about).
3478
3479While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3480"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3481with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3482them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3483warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3484
3485
3486=head1 VALGRIND
3487
3488Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3489highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3490
3491If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3492in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3493
3494 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3495 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3496 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3497
3498Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3499valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3500might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3501
3502If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3503with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3504a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3505no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3506properly.
3507
3508If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3509I suggest using suppression lists.
3510
3511
3088=head1 AUTHOR 3512=head1 AUTHOR
3089 3513
3090Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3514Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3091 3515

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