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10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
215recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
216 216
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 218
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 220
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
250 } 250 }
251 251
252 ... 252 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 254
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
256 256
257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
276 276
277=back 277=back
278 278
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 280
281An 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 C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
284
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
287not.
284 288
285=over 4 289=over 4
286 290
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 292
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 363writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363 367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
371
364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 372=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
365 373
366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
368limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
369considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
370i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
371performance tips. 379performance tips.
372 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
374 385
375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll syscalls are the most misdesigned of the more advanced event
381support for dup. 392mechanisms: problems include silently dropping fds, requiring a system
393call per change per fd (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems
394with dup and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a
395program forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the
396epoll set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per fd) and is of
397course hard to detect.
398
399Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
400of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
401I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
402even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
403on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
404employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
405events to filter out spurious ones.
382 406
383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 407While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 408will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 409(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 410best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
387very well if you register events for both fds. 411very well if you register events for both fds.
388 412
389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
391(or space) is available.
392
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 413Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 414watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 415i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
416starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
417extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
418as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
419take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
396 420
397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 421While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far. 422all kernel versions tested so far.
399 423
424This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
425C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
426
400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 427=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
401 428
402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 429Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 430broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 431anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" 432completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 433you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 434libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
408system like NetBSD.
409 435
410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 436You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
411only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 437only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 438the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
413 439
414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 440It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 441kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 442course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 443cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 444two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 445sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
446cases
420 447
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 448This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422 449
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 450While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 451everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
425almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 452almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
426(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 453(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
427(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 454(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
428sockets. 455using it only for sockets.
456
457This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
458C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
459C<NOTE_EOF>.
429 460
430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 461=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
431 462
432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 463This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 464implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 477While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 478file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 479descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better. 480might perform better.
450 481
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this 482On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 483notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 484in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
485OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
486
487This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
488C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
454 489
455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 490=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
456 491
457Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 492Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 493with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
464 499
465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 500If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 501backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 502specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
468 503
469The most typical usage is like this: 504Example: This is the most typical usage.
470 505
471 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 506 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 507 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
473 508
474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 509Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
475environment settings to be taken into account: 510environment settings to be taken into account:
476 511
477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 512 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
478 513
479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 514Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 515used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 516private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
517fds):
482 518
483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 519 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
484 520
485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 521=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
486 522
507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 543responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 544calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 545the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
510for example). 546for example).
511 547
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 548Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
513this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 549handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
514would need to be stopped manually. 550as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
515 551
516In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 552In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
517rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 553rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
518pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 554pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
519C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 555C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
544 580
545=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 581=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
546 582
547Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 583Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
548C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 584C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 585after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
586entirely your own problem.
550 587
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 588=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552 589
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 590Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
591otherwise.
554 592
555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 593=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
556 594
557Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 595Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 596the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 611received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
574change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 612change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 613time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 614event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
577 615
616=item ev_now_update (loop)
617
618Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
619returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
620is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
621
622This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
623very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
624the current time is a good idea.
625
626See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
627
578=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 628=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
579 629
580Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 630Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
581after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 631after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
582events. 632events.
584If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 634If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
585either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 635either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
586 636
587Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 637Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
588relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 638relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
589finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 639finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
590automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 640that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
591relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 641of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
642beauty.
592 643
593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 644A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 645those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 646process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
647the loop.
596 648
597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 649A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 650necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 651will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 652be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 653user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
654iteration of the loop.
655
656This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
657with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 658own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
603usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 659usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
604 660
605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 661Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
606 662
607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 663 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 673 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 674 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
619 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 675 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 676 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 677 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
622 - Queue all outstanding timers. 678 - Queue all expired timers.
623 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 679 - Queue all expired periodics.
624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 680 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
625 - Queue all check watchers. 681 - Queue all check watchers.
626 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 682 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
627 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 683 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 684 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
645C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 701C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
646C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 702C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
647 703
648This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 704This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
649 705
706It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
707
650=item ev_ref (loop) 708=item ev_ref (loop)
651 709
652=item ev_unref (loop) 710=item ev_unref (loop)
653 711
654Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 712Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
655loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 713loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
656count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 714count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
715
657a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 716If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
658returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 717from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
718stopping it.
719
659example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 720As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
660visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 721not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
661no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 722if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
662way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 723way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
663libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 724libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
664(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 725(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
665respectively). 726respectively).
666 727
667Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 728Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
668running when nothing else is active. 729running when nothing else is active.
669 730
670 struct ev_signal exitsig; 731 ev_signal exitsig;
671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 732 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 733 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
673 evf_unref (loop); 734 evf_unref (loop);
674 735
675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 736Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
689Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 750Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks 751allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving 752to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities). 753opportunities).
693 754
694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 755The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
695handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 756one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
696the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 757program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 758events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
698overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 759overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
699 760
700By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 761By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
701time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 762time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
703C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 764C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
704introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 765introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
705 766
706Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 767Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 768to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 769latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 770later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
710any overhead in libev. 771value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
711 772
712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 773Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
713interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 774interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
714interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 775interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
715usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 776usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
723they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 784they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
724 785
725=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 786=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
726 787
727This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 788This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
728compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks 789compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
729them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print 790through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
730an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>. 791is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
792error and call C<abort ()>.
731 793
732This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 794This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
733circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its 795circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
734data structures consistent. 796data structures consistent.
735 797
736=back 798=back
737 799
738 800
739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 801=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
740 802
803In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
804watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
805watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
806
741A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 807A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
742interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 808interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 809become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
744 810
745 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 811 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
746 { 812 {
747 ev_io_stop (w); 813 ev_io_stop (w);
748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
749 } 815 }
750 816
751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 817 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
818
752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 819 ev_io stdin_watcher;
820
753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 821 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 822 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 823 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
824
756 ev_loop (loop, 0); 825 ev_loop (loop, 0);
757 826
758As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 827As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
759watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 828watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
760although this can sometimes be quite valid). 829stack).
830
831Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
832or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
761 833
762Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 834Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 835(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
764callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 836callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 837watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
766is readable and/or writable). 838is readable and/or writable).
767 839
768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 840Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 841macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
770to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 842is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
771(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 843ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
772 844
773To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 845To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
774with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 846with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
775*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 847*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
776corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 848corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
777 849
778As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 850As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
779must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 851must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
780reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 852reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
781 853
782Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 854Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
783registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 855registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
784third argument. 856third argument.
785 857
848=item C<EV_ERROR> 920=item C<EV_ERROR>
849 921
850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 922An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 923happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
852ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 924ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
925problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
926
853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 927You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
854with the watcher being stopped. 928watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
929an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
930bug in your program.
855 931
856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 932Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
857for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 933example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
858your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 934callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 935the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
860programs, though, so beware. 936programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
937thing, so beware.
861 938
862=back 939=back
863 940
864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 941=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
865
866In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
867e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
868 942
869=over 4 943=over 4
870 944
871=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 945=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
872 946
878which rolls both calls into one. 952which rolls both calls into one.
879 953
880You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 954You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
881(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 955(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
882 956
883The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 957The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
884int revents)>. 958int revents)>.
959
960Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
961
962 ev_io w;
963 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
964 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
885 965
886=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 966=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
887 967
888This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 968This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
889call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 969call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
892difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 972difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
893 973
894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 974Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
895(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 975(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
896 976
977See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
978
897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 979=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
898 980
899This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 981This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
900calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise 982calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 983a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
902 984
985Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
986
987 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
988
903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 989=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
904 990
905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 991Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
906events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 992events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
907 993
994Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
995whole section.
996
997 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
998
908=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 999=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
909 1000
910Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1001Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1002the watcher was active or not).
1003
911status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1004It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
912non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1005non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
913C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1006calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
914you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1007pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
915good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1008therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
916 1009
917=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1010=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
918 1011
919Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1012Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
920and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1013and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
962The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1055The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
963always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1056always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
964 1057
965Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1058Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
966fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1059fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
967or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1060or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
968 1061
969=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1062=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
970 1063
971Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1064Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
972C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1065C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
973can deal with that fact. 1066can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1067callback.
974 1068
975=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1069=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
976 1070
977If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1071If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
978and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1072returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
979watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1073watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
980 1074
1075Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1076callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1077
981=back 1078=back
982 1079
983 1080
984=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1081=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
985 1082
986Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1083Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
987and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1084and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
988to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1085to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
989don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1086don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1087member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
991data: 1088data:
992 1089
993 struct my_io 1090 struct my_io
994 { 1091 {
995 struct ev_io io; 1092 ev_io io;
996 int otherfd; 1093 int otherfd;
997 void *somedata; 1094 void *somedata;
998 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1095 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
999 } 1096 };
1097
1098 ...
1099 struct my_io w;
1100 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1000 1101
1001And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1102And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1002can cast it back to your own type: 1103can cast it back to your own type:
1003 1104
1004 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1105 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1005 { 1106 {
1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1107 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1007 ... 1108 ...
1008 } 1109 }
1009 1110
1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1111More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1011instead have been omitted. 1112instead have been omitted.
1012 1113
1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1114Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1014watchers: 1115embedded watchers:
1015 1116
1016 struct my_biggy 1117 struct my_biggy
1017 { 1118 {
1018 int some_data; 1119 int some_data;
1019 ev_timer t1; 1120 ev_timer t1;
1020 ev_timer t2; 1121 ev_timer t2;
1021 } 1122 }
1022 1123
1023In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1124In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1024you need to use C<offsetof>: 1125complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1126in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1127some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1128programmers):
1025 1129
1026 #include <stddef.h> 1130 #include <stddef.h>
1027 1131
1028 static void 1132 static void
1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1133 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1030 { 1134 {
1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1135 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1136 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1033 } 1137 }
1034 1138
1035 static void 1139 static void
1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1140 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1037 { 1141 {
1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1142 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1143 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1040 } 1144 }
1041 1145
1069In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1173In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1070fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1174fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1071descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1175descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1072required if you know what you are doing). 1176required if you know what you are doing).
1073 1177
1074If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1178If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1179known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1180C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1077 1181
1078Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1182Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1183receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1080be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1184be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1081because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1185because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1082lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1186lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1187this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1084it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1188it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1189C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1086 1190
1087If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1191If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1088play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test 1192not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1089whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1193re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1090such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1194interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1091its own, so its quite safe to use). 1195does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1196use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1197indefinitely.
1198
1199But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1092 1200
1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1201=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1094 1202
1095Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1203Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1096descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1204descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1097such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1205such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1098descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1206descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1099this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1207this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1100registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1208registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1101fact, a different file descriptor. 1209fact, a different file descriptor.
1102 1210
1133enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1241enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1242C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1135 1243
1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1244=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1137 1245
1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1246While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1139when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1247when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1140gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1248sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1141programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1249this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1142undesirable.
1143 1250
1144So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1251So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1145ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1252ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1146somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1253somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1147 1254
1153=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1260=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1154 1261
1155=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1262=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1156 1263
1157Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1264Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1158receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1265receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1159C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1266C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1160 1267
1161=item int fd [read-only] 1268=item int fd [read-only]
1162 1269
1163The file descriptor being watched. 1270The file descriptor being watched.
1164 1271
1173Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1280Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1174readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1281readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1175attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1282attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1176 1283
1177 static void 1284 static void
1178 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1285 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1179 { 1286 {
1180 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1287 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1181 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1288 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1182 } 1289 }
1183 1290
1184 ... 1291 ...
1185 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1292 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1186 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1293 ev_io stdin_readable;
1187 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1294 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1188 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1295 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1189 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1190 1297
1191 1298
1194Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1301Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1195given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1302given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1196 1303
1197The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1304The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1198times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last 1305times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1199year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1306year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1200detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1307detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1201monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1308monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1309
1310The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1311passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1312then order of execution is undefined.
1313
1314=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1315
1316Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1317recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1318you want to raise some error after a while.
1319
1320What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1321inefficient to smart and efficient.
1322
1323In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1324gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1325data or other life sign was received).
1326
1327=over 4
1328
1329=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1330
1331This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1332start the watcher:
1333
1334 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1335 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1336
1337Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1338and start it again:
1339
1340 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1341 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1342 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1343
1344This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1345some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1346data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1347still not a constant-time operation.
1348
1349=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1350
1351This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1352C<ev_timer_start>.
1353
1354To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1355of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1356successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1357you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1358the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1359
1360That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1361C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1362member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1363
1364At start:
1365
1366 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1367 timer->repeat = 60.;
1368 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1369
1370Each time there is some activity:
1371
1372 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1373
1374It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1375whether the watcher is active or not:
1376
1377 timer->repeat = 30.;
1378 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1379
1380This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1381you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1382remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1383
1384It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1385
1386=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1387
1388This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1389relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1390our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1391associated activity resets.
1392
1393In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1394but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1395within the callback:
1396
1397 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1398
1399 static void
1400 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1401 {
1402 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1403 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1404
1405 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1406 if (timeout < now)
1407 {
1408 // timeout occured, take action
1409 }
1410 else
1411 {
1412 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1413 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1414 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1415 w->again = timeout - now;
1416 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1417 }
1418 }
1419
1420To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1421as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1422been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1423the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1424re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1425a timeout then.
1426
1427Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1428C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1429
1430This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1431minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1432libev to change the timeout.
1433
1434To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1435to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1436callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1437
1438 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1439 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1440 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1441
1442And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1443C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1444
1445 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1446
1447This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1448time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1449
1450Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1451callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1452fix things for you.
1453
1454=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1455
1456If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1457employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1458do even better:
1459
1460When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1461at the I<end> of the list.
1462
1463Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1464the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1465
1466When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1467the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1468update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1469
1470This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1471starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1472complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1473ensures that the list stays sorted.
1474
1475=back
1476
1477So which method the best?
1478
1479Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1480situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1481better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1482one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1483
1484Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1485rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1486off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1487overkill :)
1488
1489=head3 The special problem of time updates
1490
1491Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1492least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1493time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1494growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1495lots of events in one iteration.
1202 1496
1203The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1497The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1204time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1498time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1205of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1499of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1206you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1500you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1207on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1501timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1208 1502
1209 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1503 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1210 1504
1211The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1505If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1212but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1506update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1213order of execution is undefined. 1507()>.
1214 1508
1215=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1509=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1216 1510
1217=over 4 1511=over 4
1218 1512
1242If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1536If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1243 1537
1244If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1538If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1245C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1539C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1246 1540
1247This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1541This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1248example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1542usage example.
1249timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1250seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1251configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1252C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1253you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1254socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1255automatically restart it if need be.
1256
1257That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1258altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1259
1260 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1261 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1262 ...
1263 timer->again = 17.;
1264 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1265 ...
1266 timer->again = 10.;
1267 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1268
1269This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1270you want to modify its timeout value.
1271 1543
1272=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1544=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1273 1545
1274The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1546The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1275or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1547or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1276which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1548which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1277 1549
1278=back 1550=back
1279 1551
1280=head3 Examples 1552=head3 Examples
1281 1553
1282Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1554Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1283 1555
1284 static void 1556 static void
1285 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1557 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1286 { 1558 {
1287 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1559 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1288 } 1560 }
1289 1561
1290 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1562 ev_timer mytimer;
1291 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1563 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1292 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1564 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1293 1565
1294Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1566Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1295inactivity. 1567inactivity.
1296 1568
1297 static void 1569 static void
1298 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1570 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1299 { 1571 {
1300 .. ten seconds without any activity 1572 .. ten seconds without any activity
1301 } 1573 }
1302 1574
1303 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1575 ev_timer mytimer;
1304 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1576 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1305 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1577 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1306 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1578 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1307 1579
1308 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1580 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1324to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger 1596to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1325roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1597roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1326 1598
1327C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1599C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1328such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1600such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1329complicated, rules. 1601complicated rules.
1330 1602
1331As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 1603As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1332time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1604time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1333during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1605during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1334 1606
1335=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1607=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1336 1608
1337=over 4 1609=over 4
1338 1610
1339=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1611=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1340 1612
1341=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1613=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1342 1614
1343Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1615Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1344operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1616operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1345 1617
1346=over 4 1618=over 4
1347 1619
1348=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1620=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1349 1621
1350In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 1622In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1351time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time 1623time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1352jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1624jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1353run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1625only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1354 1626
1355=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1627=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1356 1628
1357In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1629In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1358C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1630C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1359and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1631and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1360 1632
1361This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1633This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1362time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on 1634system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1363the hour: 1635hour, on the hour:
1364 1636
1365 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1637 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1366 1638
1367This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1639This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1368but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1640but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1394 1666
1395If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1667If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1396it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 1668it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1397only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1669only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1398 1670
1399The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1671The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1400*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1672*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1401 1673
1674 static ev_tstamp
1402 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1675 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1403 { 1676 {
1404 return now + 60.; 1677 return now + 60.;
1405 } 1678 }
1406 1679
1407It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1680It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1444 1717
1445The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1718The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1446take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1719take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1447called. 1720called.
1448 1721
1449=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1722=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1450 1723
1451The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1724The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1452switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1725switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1453the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1726the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1454 1727
1455=back 1728=back
1456 1729
1457=head3 Examples 1730=head3 Examples
1458 1731
1459Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1732Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1460system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1733system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1461potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1734potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1462 1735
1463 static void 1736 static void
1464 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1737 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1465 { 1738 {
1466 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1739 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1467 } 1740 }
1468 1741
1469 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1742 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1470 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1743 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1471 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1744 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1472 1745
1473Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1746Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1474 1747
1475 #include <math.h> 1748 #include <math.h>
1476 1749
1477 static ev_tstamp 1750 static ev_tstamp
1478 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1751 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1479 { 1752 {
1480 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1753 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1481 } 1754 }
1482 1755
1483 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1756 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1484 1757
1485Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1758Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1486 1759
1487 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1760 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1488 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1761 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1489 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1762 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1490 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1763 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1491 1764
1492 1765
1495Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1768Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1496signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1769signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1497will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1770will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1498normal event processing, like any other event. 1771normal event processing, like any other event.
1499 1772
1773If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1774do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1775C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1776
1500You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1777You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1501first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1778first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1502with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1779with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1503as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1780you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1504watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1781the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1505SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1782signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1506 1783
1507If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1784If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1508C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 1785C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1509interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 1786interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1510signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1787signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1527 1804
1528=back 1805=back
1529 1806
1530=head3 Examples 1807=head3 Examples
1531 1808
1532Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1809Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1533 1810
1534 static void 1811 static void
1535 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1812 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1536 { 1813 {
1537 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1538 } 1815 }
1539 1816
1540 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1817 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1541 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1818 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1542 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1819 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1543 1820
1544 1821
1545=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1822=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1546 1823
1547Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1824Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1548some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1825some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1549is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1826exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1550forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1827has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1551loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1828as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1829forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1830but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1831not.
1552 1832
1553Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1833Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1554you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 1834you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1555 1835
1556=head3 Process Interaction 1836=head3 Process Interaction
1569handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1849handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1570C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1850C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1571default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1851default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1572event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1852event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1573that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1853that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1854
1855=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1856
1857Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1858child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1859callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1860when a child exit is detected.
1574 1861
1575=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1862=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1576 1863
1577=over 4 1864=over 4
1578 1865
1610its completion. 1897its completion.
1611 1898
1612 ev_child cw; 1899 ev_child cw;
1613 1900
1614 static void 1901 static void
1615 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1902 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1616 { 1903 {
1617 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1904 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1618 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1905 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1619 } 1906 }
1620 1907
1647the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1934the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1648 1935
1649The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1936The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1650relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1937relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1651 1938
1652Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1939Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1653calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1940implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1654can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1941it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1655a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1942this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1656unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1943then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1657five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1944you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1658impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1945dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1659usually overkill. 1946around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1660 1947
1661This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1948This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1662as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1949as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1663resource-intensive. 1950resource-intensive.
1664 1951
1665At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1952At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1666implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1953is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1667reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat 1954an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1668semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should 1955of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1669not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1670sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1671but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1672will be no polling.
1673 1956
1674=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1957=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1675 1958
1676Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1959Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1677compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 1960compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1686file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 1969file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1687optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 1970optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1688to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 1971to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1689default compilation environment. 1972default compilation environment.
1690 1973
1691=head3 Inotify 1974=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1692 1975
1693When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1976When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1977only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1694available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1978implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1695change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1979change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1696when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1980lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1697 1981
1698Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1982Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1699except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1983except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1700making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1984making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1701there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1985there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1986but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1702 1987
1703(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1988There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1704implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1989implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1705descriptor open on the object at all times). 1990descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1991etc. is difficult.
1706 1992
1707=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1993=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1708 1994
1709The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1995The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1710even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still 1996even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1711only support whole seconds. 1997only support whole seconds.
1712 1998
1713That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 1999That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1714easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2000easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1715calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2001calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1716within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat 2002within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1717data does not change. 2003stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1718 2004
1719The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more 2005The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1720than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using 2006than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1721a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02); 2007a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1722ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). 2008ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1742C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2028C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1743be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2029be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1744a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2030a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1745path for as long as the watcher is active. 2031path for as long as the watcher is active.
1746 2032
1747The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative 2033The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1748to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change 2034relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1749was detected). 2035last change was detected).
1750 2036
1751=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2037=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1752 2038
1753Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2039Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1754watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid 2040watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1837 2123
1838 2124
1839=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2125=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1840 2126
1841Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2127Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1842priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2128priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1843count). 2129as receiving "events").
1844 2130
1845That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2131That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1846(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2132(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1847triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2133triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1848are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2134are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1873 2159
1874Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2160Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1875callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2161callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1876 2162
1877 static void 2163 static void
1878 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2164 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1879 { 2165 {
1880 free (w); 2166 free (w);
1881 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2167 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1882 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2168 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1883 } 2169 }
1884 2170
1885 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2171 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1886 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2172 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1887 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2173 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1888 2174
1889 2175
1890=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2176=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1891 2177
1892Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2178Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1893prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2179prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1894afterwards. 2180afterwards.
1895 2181
1896You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2182You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1897the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2183the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1900those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2186those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1901C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2187C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1902called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2188called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1903 2189
1904Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2190Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1905their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2191their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1906variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2192variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1907coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2193coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1908you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2194you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1909in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2195in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1910watcher). 2196watcher).
1911 2197
1912This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2198This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1913to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2199need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1914them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2200for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1915provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2201libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1916any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2202you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1917and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2203of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1918callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2204I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1919because you never know, you know?). 2205nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1920 2206
1921As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2207As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1922coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2208coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1923during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2209during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1924are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2210are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1927loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2213loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1928low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2214low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1929 2215
1930It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2216It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1931priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2217priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2218after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2219
1932after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2220Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1933too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2221activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1934supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers 2222might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1935did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2223C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1936(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2224loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1937state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2225C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1938coexist peacefully with others). 2226others).
1939 2227
1940=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2228=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1941 2229
1942=over 4 2230=over 4
1943 2231
1945 2233
1946=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2234=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1947 2235
1948Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2236Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1949parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2237parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1950macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2238macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2239pointless.
1951 2240
1952=back 2241=back
1953 2242
1954=head3 Examples 2243=head3 Examples
1955 2244
1968 2257
1969 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2258 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1970 static ev_timer tw; 2259 static ev_timer tw;
1971 2260
1972 static void 2261 static void
1973 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2262 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1974 { 2263 {
1975 } 2264 }
1976 2265
1977 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2266 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1978 static void 2267 static void
1979 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2268 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1980 { 2269 {
1981 int timeout = 3600000; 2270 int timeout = 3600000;
1982 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2271 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1983 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2272 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1984 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2273 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1999 } 2288 }
2000 } 2289 }
2001 2290
2002 // stop all watchers after blocking 2291 // stop all watchers after blocking
2003 static void 2292 static void
2004 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2293 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2005 { 2294 {
2006 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2295 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2007 2296
2008 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2297 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2009 { 2298 {
2048 } 2337 }
2049 2338
2050 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2339 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2051 2340
2052Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2341Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2053want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override 2342want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
2054their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2343override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
2055loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2344main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
2056this. 2345this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2346libglib event loop.
2057 2347
2058 static gint 2348 static gint
2059 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2349 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2060 { 2350 {
2061 int got_events = 0; 2351 int got_events = 0;
2092prioritise I/O. 2382prioritise I/O.
2093 2383
2094As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2384As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2095sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2385sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2096still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2386still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2097so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2387so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2098into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2388it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2099be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2389will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2100at least you can use both at what they are best. 2390C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2391best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2101 2392
2102As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2393As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2103to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2394some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2104priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2395and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2105you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2396this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2106a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2397the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2107 2398
2108As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2399As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2109there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2400there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2110call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2401call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2111their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2402their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2119interested in that. 2410interested in that.
2120 2411
2121Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2412Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2122when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2413when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2123but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2414but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2124yourself. 2415yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2416and future versions of libev might do just that.
2125 2417
2126Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2418Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2127C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2419C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2128portable one. 2420portable one.
2129 2421
2130So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2422So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2131that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2423that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2132this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2424this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2133create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2425create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2426
2427=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2428
2429While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2430automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2431fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2432however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2433as applicable.
2134 2434
2135=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2435=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2136 2436
2137=over 4 2437=over 4
2138 2438
2166C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2466C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2167used). 2467used).
2168 2468
2169 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2469 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2170 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2470 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2171 struct ev_embed embed; 2471 ev_embed embed;
2172 2472
2173 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2473 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2174 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2474 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2175 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2475 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2176 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2476 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2190kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2490kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2191C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2491C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2192 2492
2193 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2493 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2194 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2494 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2195 struct ev_embed embed; 2495 ev_embed embed;
2196 2496
2197 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2497 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2198 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2498 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2199 { 2499 {
2200 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2500 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2256is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2556is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2257multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2557multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2258need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2558need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2259 2559
2260That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2560That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2261queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2561queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2262queue: 2562queue:
2263 2563
2264=over 4 2564=over 4
2265 2565
2266=item queueing from a signal handler context 2566=item queueing from a signal handler context
2267 2567
2268To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2568To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2269handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2569handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2270some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler: 2570an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2271 2571
2272 static ev_async mysig; 2572 static ev_async mysig;
2273 2573
2274 static void 2574 static void
2275 sigusr1_handler (void) 2575 sigusr1_handler (void)
2342 2642
2343=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2643=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2344 2644
2345Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2645Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2346kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2646kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2347believe me. 2647trust me.
2348 2648
2349=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2649=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2350 2650
2351Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2651Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2352an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2652an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2353C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2653C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2354similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2654similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2355section below on what exactly this means). 2655section below on what exactly this means).
2356 2656
2357This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 2657This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2358so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2658so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2382=over 4 2682=over 4
2383 2683
2384=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2684=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2385 2685
2386This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2686This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2387callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2687callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2388watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2688watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2389or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2689or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2390more watchers yourself. 2690more watchers yourself.
2391 2691
2392If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2692If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2393is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2693C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2394C<events> set will be created and started. 2694the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2395 2695
2396If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2696If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2397started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2697started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2398repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2698repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2399dubious value.
2400 2699
2401The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2700The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2402passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2701passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2403C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2702C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2404value passed to C<ev_once>: 2703value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2704a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2705events precedence.
2706
2707Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2405 2708
2406 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2709 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2407 { 2710 {
2711 if (revents & EV_READ)
2712 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2408 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2713 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2409 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2714 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2410 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2411 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2412 } 2715 }
2413 2716
2414 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2717 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2415 2718
2416=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2719=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2417 2720
2418Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2721Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2419had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2722had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2420initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2723initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2421 2724
2422=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2725=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2423 2726
2424Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2727Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2425the given events it. 2728the given events it.
2426 2729
2427=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2730=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2428 2731
2429Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2732Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2430loop!). 2733loop!).
2431 2734
2432=back 2735=back
2564 2867
2565The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2868The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2566 2869
2567See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2870See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2568 2871
2569Example: 2872Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2570 2873
2571 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2874 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2572 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2875 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2573 2876
2574=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2877=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2612Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2915Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2613the constructor. 2916the constructor.
2614 2917
2615 class myclass 2918 class myclass
2616 { 2919 {
2617 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2920 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2618 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2921 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2619 2922
2620 myclass (int fd) 2923 myclass (int fd)
2621 { 2924 {
2622 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2925 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2623 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2926 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2639=item Perl 2942=item Perl
2640 2943
2641The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2944The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2642libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2945libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2643there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2946there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2644to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2947to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2645C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2948C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2949and C<EV::Glib>).
2646 2950
2647It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at 2951It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2648L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2952L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2649 2953
2650=item Python 2954=item Python
2666=item D 2970=item D
2667 2971
2668Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2972Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2669be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 2973be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2670 2974
2975=item Ocaml
2976
2977Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2978L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2979
2671=back 2980=back
2672 2981
2673 2982
2674=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2983=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2675 2984
2829 3138
2830=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3139=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2831 3140
2832Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3141Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2833define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3142define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2834autoconf is noted for every option. 3143autoconf is documented for every option.
2835 3144
2836=over 4 3145=over 4
2837 3146
2838=item EV_STANDALONE 3147=item EV_STANDALONE
2839 3148
3009When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3318When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3010all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3319all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
3011and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3320and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3012fine. 3321fine.
3013 3322
3014If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3323If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3015C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 3324both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3016 3325
3017=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3326=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
3018 3327
3019If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3328If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
3020defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3329defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3027code. 3336code.
3028 3337
3029=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3338=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3030 3339
3031If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3340If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3032defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3341defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3342watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3033 3343
3034=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3344=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3035 3345
3036If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3346If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3037defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3347defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3069two). 3379two).
3070 3380
3071=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3381=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3072 3382
3073Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3383Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3074timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 3384timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3075to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3385to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3076noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3386faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3077 3387
3078The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3388The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3079(disabled). 3389(disabled).
3080 3390
3081=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3391=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3082 3392
3083Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3393Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3084timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3394timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3085the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3395the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3086which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 3396which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3087but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 3397but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3088noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3398noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3089 3399
3090The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3400The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3091(disabled). 3401(disabled).
3092 3402
3093=item EV_VERIFY 3403=item EV_VERIFY
3099called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 3409called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3100verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 3410verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3101libev considerably. 3411libev considerably.
3102 3412
3103The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 3413The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3104C<0.> 3414C<0>.
3105 3415
3106=item EV_COMMON 3416=item EV_COMMON
3107 3417
3108By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3418By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3109this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3419this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3126and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3436and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
3127definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3437definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3128their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3438their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3129avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3439avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3130method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3440method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3441
3442=back
3131 3443
3132=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3444=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3133 3445
3134If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of 3446If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3135exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3447exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3182And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3494And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3183 3495
3184 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3496 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3185 #include "ev.c" 3497 #include "ev.c"
3186 3498
3499=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3187 3500
3188=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3501=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3189 3502
3190=head2 THREADS 3503=head3 THREADS
3191 3504
3192Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This 3505All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3506documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3193means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3507that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3194only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3508are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3195parameter. 3509parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3510of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3511structures that need any locking.
3196 3512
3197Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3513Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3198parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3514concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3199done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3515must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3200thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3516only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3201per loop). 3517a mutex per loop).
3518
3519Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3520so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3521concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3522outside".
3202 3523
3203If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops 3524If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3204without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot 3525without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3205help you. I can give some generic advice however: 3526help you, but here is some generic advice:
3206 3527
3207=over 4 3528=over 4
3208 3529
3209=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3530=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3210in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop. 3531in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3222 3543
3223Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do 3544Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3224better than you currently do :-) 3545better than you currently do :-)
3225 3546
3226=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3547=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3548event loop.
3549
3227event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3550C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3228threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3551(or from signal contexts...).
3552
3553An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3554work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3555default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3556watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3229 3557
3230=back 3558=back
3231 3559
3232=head2 COROUTINES 3560=head3 COROUTINES
3233 3561
3234Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3562Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3235libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3563libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3236coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3564coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3237different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3565different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3238loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3566loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3239you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3567you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3240 3568
3241Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 3569Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3242state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 3570C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3243switches. 3571they do not clal any callbacks.
3244 3572
3573=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3245 3574
3246=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3575Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3576lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3577scared by this.
3247 3578
3248In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3579However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3249libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3580has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3250documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3581warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3582targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3251 3583
3252All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3584Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3253extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3585workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3254happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3586maintainable.
3255mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3256it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3257 3587
3258=over 4 3588And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3589wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3590seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3591warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3592been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3593such buggy versions.
3259 3594
3260=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3595While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3596"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3597with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3598them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3599warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3261 3600
3262This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3263there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3264have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3265 3601
3266=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3602=head2 VALGRIND
3267 3603
3268That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3604Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3269as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3605highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3270 3606
3271=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3607If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3608in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3272 3609
3273These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3610 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3611 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3612 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3274 3613
3275=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3614Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3615is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3276 3616
3277=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3617Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3618as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3619although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3620confused.
3278 3621
3279These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3622Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3280correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3623make it into some kind of religion.
3281have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3282 3624
3283=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3625If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3626with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3627is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3628annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3629of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3284 3630
3285By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3631If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3286fixed position in the storage array. 3632I suggest using suppression lists.
3287 3633
3288=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3289 3634
3290A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3635=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3291libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3292on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3293 3636
3294=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3295
3296=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3297
3298Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3299priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3300linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3301watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3302
3303=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3304
3305=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3306
3307=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3308
3309Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3310calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3311involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3312
3313=back
3314
3315
3316=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 3637=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3317 3638
3318Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3639Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3319requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3640requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3320model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3641model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3321the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3642the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3332 3653
3333Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 3654Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3334accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 3655accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3335either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 3656either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3336so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 3657so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3337megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory 3658megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3338available). 3659available).
3339 3660
3340Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3661Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3341the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3662the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3342is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3663is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3353 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */ 3674 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3354 3675
3355 #include "ev.h" 3676 #include "ev.h"
3356 3677
3357And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure 3678And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3358you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!): 3679you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3359 3680
3360 #include "evwrap.h" 3681 #include "evwrap.h"
3361 #include "ev.c" 3682 #include "ev.c"
3362 3683
3363=over 4 3684=over 4
3408wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3729wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3409calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3730calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3410 3731
3411=back 3732=back
3412 3733
3413
3414=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3734=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3415 3735
3416In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3736In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3417additional extensions: 3737backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3418 3738
3419=over 4 3739=over 4
3420 3740
3421=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible 3741=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3422calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>. 3742calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3428calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 3748calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3429 3749
3430=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3750=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3431 3751
3432The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3752The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3433C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3753C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3434threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3754threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3435believed to be sufficiently portable. 3755believed to be sufficiently portable.
3436 3756
3437=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3757=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3438 3758
3447except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3767except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3448well. 3768well.
3449 3769
3450=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3770=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3451 3771
3452To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3772To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3453internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3773instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3454non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3774systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3455is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3775least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3456millions of watchers. 3776watchers.
3457 3777
3458=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3778=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3459 3779
3460The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3780The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3461have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 3781have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3465=back 3785=back
3466 3786
3467If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3787If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3468 3788
3469 3789
3470=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 3790=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3471 3791
3472Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3792In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3473lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3793libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3474scared by this. 3794the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3475 3795
3476However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 3796All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3477has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 3797extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3478warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 3798happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3479targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 3799mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3800average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3480 3801
3481Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 3802=over 4
3482workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3483maintainable.
3484 3803
3485And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 3804=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3486wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3487seems to warn about).
3488 3805
3489While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 3806This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3490"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 3807there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3491with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 3808have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3492them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3493warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3494 3809
3810=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3495 3811
3496=head1 VALGRIND 3812That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3813as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3497 3814
3498Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3815=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3499highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3500 3816
3501If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3817These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3502in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3503 3818
3504 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3819=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3505 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3506 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3507 3820
3508Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3821=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3509valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3510might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3511 3822
3512If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3823These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3513with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3824correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3514a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3825have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3515no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind 3826is rare).
3516properly.
3517 3827
3518If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3828=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3519I suggest using suppression lists. 3829
3830By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3831fixed position in the storage array.
3832
3833=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3834
3835A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3836libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3837on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3838
3839=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3840
3841=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3842
3843Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3844priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3845linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3846watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3847
3848=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3849
3850=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3851
3852=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3853
3854Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3855calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3856involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3857
3858=back
3520 3859
3521 3860
3522=head1 AUTHOR 3861=head1 AUTHOR
3523 3862
3524Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3863Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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