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Revision 1.172 by root, Wed Aug 6 07:01:25 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 74
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 82watcher.
65 83
66=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
67 85
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous 90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and 91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>). 95(C<ev_fork>).
77 96
78It also is quite fast (see this 97It also is quite fast (see this
79L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
80for example). 99for example).
81 100
82=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
83 102
84Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
85be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
86various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
87this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
88loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
89(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
90 110
91=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
92 112
93Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
94(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
95the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
96called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
97to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
98it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
99 142
100=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
101 144
102These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
103library in any way. 146library in any way.
108 151
109Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
110C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
111you actually want to know. 154you actually want to know.
112 155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
161
113=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
114 163
115=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
116 165
117You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 166You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
118you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 167you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
119C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 168C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
120symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 169symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
121version of the library your program was compiled against. 170version of the library your program was compiled against.
122 171
172These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
173release version.
174
123Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 175Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
124as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
125compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
126not a problem. 178not a problem.
127 179
128Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
129version. 181version.
130 182
131 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
132 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
133 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
134 186
135=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
136 188
137Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
138value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
140a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
141 193
142Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
143a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
144 196
145 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
146 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
147 199
148=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
149 201
150Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
151recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
152returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
153most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
154(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
155libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
156 208
157=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
158 210
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
164 216
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166 218
167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
168 220
169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
173action. The default is your system realloc function. 225or take some potentially destructive action.
226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
174 230
175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
176free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
177or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
178 234
179Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
180retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
181 237
182 static void * 238 static void *
183 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
184 { 240 {
185 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
196 ... 252 ...
197 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
198 254
199=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
200 256
201Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
202as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
203indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
204callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
205matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
206requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
207(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
208 264
209Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
223=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
224 280
225An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
226types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
227events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
228
229If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
230in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
231create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
232whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
233threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
234done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
235 284
236=over 4 285=over 4
237 286
238=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
239 288
243flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
244 293
245If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
246function. 295function.
247 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>.
307
248The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
249backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
250 310
251The following flags are supported: 311The following flags are supported:
252 312
257The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
258thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
259 319
260=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
261 321
262If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
263or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
266useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
267around bugs. 327around bugs.
268 328
329=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
330
331Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
332a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
333enabling this flag.
334
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
341
342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
344flag.
345
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable.
348
269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
270 350
271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
273but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
274using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
275the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing 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
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
276 363
277=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
278 365
279And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
280select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
281number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 368limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
282lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 369considerably 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
371performance tips.
283 372
284=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
285 374
286For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
287but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
288O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
289either O(1) or O(active_fds). 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
381support for dup.
290 382
291While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
292result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
293(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
294best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
295well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
296 388
297Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
298need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
299(or space) is available. 391(or space) is available.
300 392
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
396
397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far.
399
301=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
302 401
303Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
304was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
305anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
306completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
307unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
308C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
408system like NetBSD.
409
410You 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
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
309 413
310It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
311kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
312course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
313extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
314incident, so its best to avoid that. 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
420
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, 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
426(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
428sockets.
315 429
316=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
317 431
318This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
434and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
435immensely.
319 436
320=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
321 438
322This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
323it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
324 441
325Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
326notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
327blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
445
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better.
450
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
328 454
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330 456
331Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 457Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
332with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
333C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 459C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
334 460
461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
462
335=back 463=back
336 464
337If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
338backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
339specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
340order of their flag values :)
341 468
342The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
343 470
344 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
345 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
346 473
347Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
348environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
349 476
350 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
351 478
352Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
353available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
354event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
355 482
356 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
357 484
358=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
359 486
360Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
361always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
362handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
363undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
364 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
365Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
366 497
367 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
368 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
369 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
370 501
371=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
372 503
373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
374etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
375sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
378the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for example). 510for example).
511
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
513this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
514would need to be stopped manually.
515
516In 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
518pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
519C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
380 520
381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 521=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
382 522
383Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 523Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 524earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
385 525
386=item ev_default_fork () 526=item ev_default_fork ()
387 527
528This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
388This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 529to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
389one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 530name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
390after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 531the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
391again makes little sense). 532sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
533functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
392 534
393You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 535On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
394only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 536process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
395fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 537you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
396 538
397The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 539The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
398it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 540it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
399quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 541quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
400 542
401 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 543 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
402 544
403At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
404without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
405do not need to care.
406
407=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 545=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
408 546
409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 547Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
410C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 548C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
411after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
550
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
554
555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
556
557Returns 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
559happily wraps around with enough iterations.
560
561This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
562"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
563C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
412 564
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 565=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 566
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 567Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 568use.
419 571
420Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 572Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
422change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 574change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
423time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
425 577
426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 578=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
427 579
428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 580Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 581after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
441A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
442those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
443case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
444 596
445A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
446neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
447your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
448one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
449external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
450libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 604
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 606
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
609 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 611 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
612 as to not disturb the other process.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
463 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
464 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
465 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
466 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
467 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
468 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 626 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
469 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 627 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
470 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
471 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 629 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
472 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 630 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
631 continue with step *.
473 632
474Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 633Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
475anymore. 634anymore.
476 635
477 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
478 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 637 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
479 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
480 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
481 640
482=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
483 642
484Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 643Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
485has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
486C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 645C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
487C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 646C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
647
648This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
488 649
489=item ev_ref (loop) 650=item ev_ref (loop)
490 651
491=item ev_unref (loop) 652=item ev_unref (loop)
492 653
497returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 658returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
498example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 659example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
499visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 660visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
500no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 661no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
501way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 662way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
502libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 663libraries. 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,
665respectively).
503 666
504Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 667Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
505running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
506 669
507 struct ev_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
508 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
509 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
510 evf_unref (loop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
511 674
512Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
513 676
514 ev_ref (loop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
515 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
679
680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
681
682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
683
684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
685for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
688
689Setting 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
691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
693
694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
695handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
696the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
698overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
699
700By 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,
702at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
703C<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.
705
706Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
710any overhead in libev.
711
712Many (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
714interactive 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>,
716as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
717
718Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
719saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
720are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
721times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
722reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
723they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
724
725=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
726
727This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
728compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
729them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
730an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
731
732This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
733circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
734data structures consistent.
516 735
517=back 736=back
518 737
519 738
520=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
521 740
522A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 741A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
523interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 742interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
524become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
525 744
526 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 745 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
527 { 746 {
528 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
529 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
530 } 749 }
531 750
532 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
533 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
534 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
535 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
536 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
537 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
538 757
539As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 758As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
540watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 759watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
541although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
542 761
543Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 762Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
544(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
545callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 764callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
546watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
547is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
548 767
549Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
550with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
620=item C<EV_FORK> 839=item C<EV_FORK>
621 840
622The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 841The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
623C<ev_fork>). 842C<ev_fork>).
624 843
844=item C<EV_ASYNC>
845
846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
847
625=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
626 849
627An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
628happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
629ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 852ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
630problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
631with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
632 855
633Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
634for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 857for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
635your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 858your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
636with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
637programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
638 861
639=back 862=back
640 863
641=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
671Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
672(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 895(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
673 896
674=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
675 898
676This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 899This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
677calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 900calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
678a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
679 902
680=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
681 904
682Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 923=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 924
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 925Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
703events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 926events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
704is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 927is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
705C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 928C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 929make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
930it).
707 931
708=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 932=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 933
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 934Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 935
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 936=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 937
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 938Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads). 939(modulo threads).
940
941=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
942
943=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
944
945Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
946integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
947(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
948before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
949from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
950
951This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
952invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
953example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
954watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
955
956If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
957you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
958
959You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
960pending.
961
962The 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 :).
964
965Setting 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
967or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
968
969=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
970
971Invoke 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
973can deal with that fact.
974
975=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
976
977If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
978and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
979watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 980
717=back 981=back
718 982
719 983
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 984=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
724to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 988to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
725don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 989don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
726member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
727data: 991data:
728 992
729 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
730 { 994 {
731 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
732 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
733 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
734 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
735 } 999 }
736 1000
737And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1001And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
738can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
739 1003
740 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1004 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
741 { 1005 {
742 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
743 ... 1007 ...
744 } 1008 }
745 1009
746More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
747instead have been omitted. 1011instead have been omitted.
748 1012
749Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
750watchers: 1014watchers:
751 1015
752 struct my_biggy 1016 struct my_biggy
753 { 1017 {
754 int some_data; 1018 int some_data;
755 ev_timer t1; 1019 ev_timer t1;
756 ev_timer t2; 1020 ev_timer t2;
757 } 1021 }
758 1022
759In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1023In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
760you need to use C<offsetof>: 1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
761 1025
762 #include <stddef.h> 1026 #include <stddef.h>
763 1027
764 static void 1028 static void
765 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
766 { 1030 {
767 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
768 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
769 } 1033 }
770 1034
771 static void 1035 static void
772 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
773 { 1037 {
774 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
775 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
776 } 1040 }
777 1041
778 1042
779=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
780 1044
781This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
805In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1069In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
806fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1070fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
807descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1071descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
808required if you know what you are doing). 1072required if you know what you are doing).
809 1073
810You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
811(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
812descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
813to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
814the same underlying "file open").
815
816If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1074If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
817(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
818C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
819 1077
820Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1078Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
821receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
822be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1080be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
823because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1081because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
824lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1082lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
825this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
826it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1084it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
827C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
828 1086
829If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1087If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
830play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1088play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
831wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1089whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
832such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1090such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
833its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
834 1092
1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1094
1095Some 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,
1097such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1098descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1099this 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
1101fact, a different file descriptor.
1102
1103To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1104the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1105will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1106it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1107you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1108descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1109
1110This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1111the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1112optimisations to libev.
1113
1114=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1115
1116Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1117but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1118have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1119events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1120
1121There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1122for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1123C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1124
1125=head3 The special problem of fork
1126
1127Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1128useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1129it in the child.
1130
1131To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1132C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1133enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1135
1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1137
1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1139when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1140gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1141programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1142undesirable.
1143
1144So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1145ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1146somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1147
1148
1149=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1150
835=over 4 1151=over 4
836 1152
837=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1153=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
838 1154
839=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1155=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
840 1156
841Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1157Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
842rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1158receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
843C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1159C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
844 1160
845=item int fd [read-only] 1161=item int fd [read-only]
846 1162
847The file descriptor being watched. 1163The file descriptor being watched.
849=item int events [read-only] 1165=item int events [read-only]
850 1166
851The events being watched. 1167The events being watched.
852 1168
853=back 1169=back
1170
1171=head3 Examples
854 1172
855Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1173Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
856readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1174readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
857attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1175attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
858 1176
859 static void 1177 static void
860 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1178 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
861 { 1179 {
862 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1180 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
863 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1181 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
864 } 1182 }
865 1183
866 ... 1184 ...
867 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1185 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
868 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1186 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
869 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1187 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
870 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1188 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
871 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1189 ev_loop (loop, 0);
872 1190
873 1191
874=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1192=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
875 1193
876Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1194Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
877given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1195given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
878 1196
879The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1197The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
880times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1198times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
881time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1199year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
882detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1200detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
883monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1201monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
884 1202
885The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1203The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
886time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1204time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
888you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1206you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
889on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1207on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
890 1208
891 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1209 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
892 1210
893The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1211The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
894but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1212but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
895order of execution is undefined. 1213order of execution is undefined.
896 1214
1215=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1216
897=over 4 1217=over 4
898 1218
899=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1219=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
900 1220
901=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1221=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
902 1222
903Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1223Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
904C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1224is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
905timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1225reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
906later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1226configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1227until stopped manually.
907 1228
908The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1229The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
909configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1230you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
910exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1231trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
911the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1232keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
912timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1233do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
913 1234
914=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1235=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
915 1236
916This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1237This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
917repeating. The exact semantics are: 1238repeating. The exact semantics are:
918 1239
1240If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1241
919If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1242If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
920 1243
921If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1244If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
922value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1245C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
923 1246
924This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1247This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
925example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1248example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
926idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1249timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
927say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1250seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
928this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1251configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
929C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1252C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
930you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1253you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
931socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1254socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
932need be. 1255automatically restart it if need be.
933 1256
934You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1257That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
935and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1258altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
936 1259
937 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1260 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
938 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1261 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
939 ... 1262 ...
940 timer->again = 17.; 1263 timer->again = 17.;
941 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1264 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
942 ... 1265 ...
943 timer->again = 10.; 1266 timer->again = 10.;
944 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1267 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
945 1268
946This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1269This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
947to modify its timeout value. 1270you want to modify its timeout value.
948 1271
949=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1272=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
950 1273
951The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1274The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
952or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1275or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
953which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1276which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
954 1277
955=back 1278=back
956 1279
1280=head3 Examples
1281
957Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1282Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
958 1283
959 static void 1284 static void
960 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1285 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
961 { 1286 {
962 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1287 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
963 } 1288 }
964 1289
965 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1290 struct ev_timer mytimer;
966 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1291 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
967 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1292 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
968 1293
969Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1294Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
970inactivity. 1295inactivity.
971 1296
972 static void 1297 static void
973 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1298 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
974 { 1299 {
975 .. ten seconds without any activity 1300 .. ten seconds without any activity
976 } 1301 }
977 1302
978 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1303 struct ev_timer mytimer;
979 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1304 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
980 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1305 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
981 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1306 ev_loop (loop, 0);
982 1307
983 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1308 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
984 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1309 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
985 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1310 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
986 1311
987 1312
988=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1313=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
989 1314
990Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1315Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
991(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1316(and unfortunately a bit complex).
992 1317
993Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1318Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
994but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1319but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
995to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1320to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
996periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1321periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
997+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1322+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1323clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
998take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1324to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
999roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1325roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1000again).
1001 1326
1002They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1327C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1003triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1328such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1329complicated, rules.
1004 1330
1005As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1331As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1006time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1332time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1007during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1333during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1334
1335=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1008 1336
1009=over 4 1337=over 4
1010 1338
1011=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1339=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1012 1340
1015Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1343Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1016operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1344operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1017 1345
1018=over 4 1346=over 4
1019 1347
1020=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1348=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1021 1349
1022In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1350In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1023C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1351time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1024that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1352jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1025system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1353run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1026 1354
1027=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1355=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1028 1356
1029In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1357In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1030C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1358C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1031of any time jumps. 1359and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1032 1360
1033This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1361This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1034time: 1362time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1363the hour:
1035 1364
1036 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1365 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1037 1366
1038This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1367This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1039but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1368but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1040full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1369full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1041by 3600. 1370by 3600.
1042 1371
1043Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1372Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1044C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1373C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1045time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1374time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1046 1375
1376For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1377C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1378this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1379
1380Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1381speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1382will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1383millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1384
1047=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1385=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1048 1386
1049In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1387In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1050ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1388ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1051reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1389reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1052current time as second argument. 1390current time as second argument.
1053 1391
1054NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1392NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1055ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1393ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1056return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1057starting a prepare watcher).
1058 1394
1395If 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
1397only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1398
1059Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1399The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1060ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1400*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1061 1401
1062 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1402 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1063 { 1403 {
1064 return now + 60.; 1404 return now + 60.;
1065 } 1405 }
1067It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1407It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1068(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1408(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1069will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1409will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1070might be called at other times, too. 1410might be called at other times, too.
1071 1411
1072NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1412NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1073passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1413equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1074 1414
1075This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1415This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1076triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1416triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1077next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1417next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1078you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1418you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1079reason I omitted it as an example). 1419reason I omitted it as an example).
1080 1420
1081=back 1421=back
1085Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1425Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1086when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1426when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1087a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1427a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1088program when the crontabs have changed). 1428program when the crontabs have changed).
1089 1429
1430=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1431
1432When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1433trigger next.
1434
1435=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1436
1437When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1438absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1439
1440Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1441timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1442
1090=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1443=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1091 1444
1092The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1445The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1093take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1446take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1094called. 1447called.
1099switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1452switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1100the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1453the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1101 1454
1102=back 1455=back
1103 1456
1457=head3 Examples
1458
1104Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1459Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1105system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1460system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1106potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1461potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1107 1462
1108 static void 1463 static void
1109 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1464 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1110 { 1465 {
1111 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1466 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1112 } 1467 }
1113 1468
1114 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1469 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1115 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1470 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1116 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1471 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1117 1472
1118Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1473Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1119 1474
1120 #include <math.h> 1475 #include <math.h>
1121 1476
1122 static ev_tstamp 1477 static ev_tstamp
1123 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1478 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1124 { 1479 {
1125 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1480 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1126 } 1481 }
1127 1482
1128 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1483 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1129 1484
1130Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1485Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1131 1486
1132 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1487 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1133 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1488 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1134 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1489 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1135 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1490 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1136 1491
1137 1492
1138=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1493=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1139 1494
1140Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1495Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1147with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1502with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1148as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1503as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1149watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1504watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1150SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1505SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1151 1506
1507If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1508C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1509interrupted. 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
1511them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1512
1513=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1514
1152=over 4 1515=over 4
1153 1516
1154=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1517=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1155 1518
1156=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1519=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1162 1525
1163The signal the watcher watches out for. 1526The signal the watcher watches out for.
1164 1527
1165=back 1528=back
1166 1529
1530=head3 Examples
1531
1532Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1533
1534 static void
1535 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1536 {
1537 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1538 }
1539
1540 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1541 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1542 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1543
1167 1544
1168=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1545=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1169 1546
1170Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1547Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1171some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1548some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1549is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1550forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1551loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1552
1553Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1554you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1555
1556=head3 Process Interaction
1557
1558Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1559initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1560the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1561of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1562synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1563children, even ones not watched.
1564
1565=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1566
1567Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1568processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1569handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1570C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1571default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1572event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1573that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1574
1575=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1172 1576
1173=over 4 1577=over 4
1174 1578
1175=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1579=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1176 1580
1177=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1581=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1178 1582
1179Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1583Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1180I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1584I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1181at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1585at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1182the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1586the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1183C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1587C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1184process causing the status change. 1588process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1589activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1590activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1185 1591
1186=item int pid [read-only] 1592=item int pid [read-only]
1187 1593
1188The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1594The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1189 1595
1196The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1602The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1197C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1603C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1198 1604
1199=back 1605=back
1200 1606
1201Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1607=head3 Examples
1202 1608
1609Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1610its completion.
1611
1612 ev_child cw;
1613
1203 static void 1614 static void
1204 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1615 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1205 { 1616 {
1206 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1617 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1618 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1207 } 1619 }
1208 1620
1209 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1621 pid_t pid = fork ();
1210 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1622
1211 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1623 if (pid < 0)
1624 // error
1625 else if (pid == 0)
1626 {
1627 // the forked child executes here
1628 exit (1);
1629 }
1630 else
1631 {
1632 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1633 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1634 }
1212 1635
1213 1636
1214=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1637=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1215 1638
1216This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1639This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1217C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1640C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1218compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1641compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1219 1642
1220The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1643The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1221not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1644not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1222not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1645not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1223otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1646otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1224the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1647the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1648
1649The 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.
1225 1651
1226Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1652Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1227calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1653calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1228can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1654can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1229a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1655a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1236as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1662as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1237resource-intensive. 1663resource-intensive.
1238 1664
1239At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1665At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1240implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1666implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1667reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1241reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1668semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1242semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1669not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1243to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1670sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1244usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1671but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1245polling. 1672will be no polling.
1673
1674=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1675
1676Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1677compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1678support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1679structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1680use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1681compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1682obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1683most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1684
1685The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1686file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1687optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1688to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1689default compilation environment.
1690
1691=head3 Inotify
1692
1693When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1694available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1695change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1696when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1697
1698Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1699except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1700making 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.
1702
1703(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1704implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1705descriptor open on the object at all times).
1706
1707=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1708
1709The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1710even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1711only support whole seconds.
1712
1713That 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
1715calls 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
1717data does not change.
1718
1719The 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
1721a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1722ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1723
1724The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1725of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1726might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1727C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1728a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1729update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1730the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1731the timer callback).
1732
1733=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1246 1734
1247=over 4 1735=over 4
1248 1736
1249=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1737=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1250 1738
1254C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1742C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1255be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1743be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1256a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1744a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1257path for as long as the watcher is active. 1745path for as long as the watcher is active.
1258 1746
1259The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1747The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1260relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1748to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1261last change was detected). 1749was detected).
1262 1750
1263=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1751=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1264 1752
1265Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1753Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1266watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1754watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1267detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1755detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1268useful simply to find out the new values. 1756the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1757new values.
1269 1758
1270=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1759=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1271 1760
1272The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1761The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1273C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1762C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1274suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1763suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1764members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1275was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1765some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1276 1766
1277=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1767=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1278 1768
1279The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1769The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1280C<prev> != C<attr>. 1770C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1771differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1772C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1281 1773
1282=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1774=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1283 1775
1284The specified interval. 1776The specified interval.
1285 1777
1286=item const char *path [read-only] 1778=item const char *path [read-only]
1287 1779
1288The filesystem path that is being watched. 1780The file system path that is being watched.
1289 1781
1290=back 1782=back
1291 1783
1784=head3 Examples
1785
1292Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1786Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1293 1787
1294 static void 1788 static void
1295 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1789 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1296 { 1790 {
1297 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1791 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1298 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1792 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1299 { 1793 {
1300 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1794 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1301 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1795 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1302 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1796 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1303 } 1797 }
1304 else 1798 else
1305 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1799 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1306 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1800 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1307 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1801 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1308 } 1802 }
1309 1803
1310 ... 1804 ...
1311 ev_stat passwd; 1805 ev_stat passwd;
1312 1806
1313 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1807 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1314 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1808 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1809
1810Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1811miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1812one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1813C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1814
1815 static ev_stat passwd;
1816 static ev_timer timer;
1817
1818 static void
1819 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1820 {
1821 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1822
1823 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1824 }
1825
1826 static void
1827 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1828 {
1829 /* reset the one-second timer */
1830 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1831 }
1832
1833 ...
1834 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1835 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1836 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1315 1837
1316 1838
1317=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1839=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1318 1840
1319Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1841Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1320(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1842priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1321as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1843count).
1322imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1844
1323watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1845That 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
1847triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1848are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1324until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1849iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1325busy. 1850and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1326 1851
1327The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1852The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1328active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1853active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1329 1854
1330Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1855Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1331effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1856effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1332"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1857"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1333event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1858event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1334 1859
1860=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1861
1335=over 4 1862=over 4
1336 1863
1337=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1864=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1338 1865
1339Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1866Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1340kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1867kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1341believe me. 1868believe me.
1342 1869
1343=back 1870=back
1344 1871
1872=head3 Examples
1873
1345Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1874Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1346callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1875callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1347 1876
1348 static void 1877 static void
1349 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1878 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1350 { 1879 {
1351 free (w); 1880 free (w);
1352 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1881 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1353 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1882 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1354 } 1883 }
1355 1884
1356 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1885 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1357 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1886 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1358 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1887 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1359 1888
1360 1889
1361=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1890=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1362 1891
1363Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1892Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1382 1911
1383This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1912This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1384to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1913to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1385them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1914them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1386provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1915provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1387any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1916any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1388and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1917and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1389callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1918callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1390because you never know, you know?). 1919because you never know, you know?).
1391 1920
1392As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1921As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1396with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1925with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1397of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1926of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1398loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1927loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1399low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1928low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1400 1929
1930It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1931priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1932after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1933too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1934supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1935did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1936(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1937state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1938coexist peacefully with others).
1939
1940=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1941
1401=over 4 1942=over 4
1402 1943
1403=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1944=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1404 1945
1405=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1946=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1408parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1949parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1409macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1950macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1410 1951
1411=back 1952=back
1412 1953
1413Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1954=head3 Examples
1414and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1955
1956There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1957into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1958(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1959use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1960Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1961Glib event loop).
1962
1963Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1415in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1964and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1416pseudo-code only of course: 1965is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1966priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1967the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1417 1968
1418 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1969 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1419 static ev_timer tw; 1970 static ev_timer tw;
1420 1971
1421 static void 1972 static void
1422 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1973 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1423 { 1974 {
1424 // set the relevant poll flags
1425 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1426 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1427 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1428 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1429 } 1975 }
1430 1976
1431 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1977 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1432 static void 1978 static void
1433 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1979 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1434 { 1980 {
1435 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1981 int timeout = 3600000;
1982 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1436 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1983 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1437 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1984 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1438 1985
1439 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1986 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1440 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1987 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1441 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1988 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1442 1989
1443 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1990 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1444 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1991 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1445 { 1992 {
1446 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1993 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1447 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1994 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1448 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1995 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1449 1996
1450 fds [i].revents = 0; 1997 fds [i].revents = 0;
1451 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1452 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1998 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1453 } 1999 }
1454 } 2000 }
1455 2001
1456 // stop all watchers after blocking 2002 // stop all watchers after blocking
1457 static void 2003 static void
1458 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2004 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1459 { 2005 {
1460 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2006 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1461 2007
1462 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2008 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2009 {
2010 // set the relevant poll flags
2011 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
2012 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
2013 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
2014 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
2015 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
2016
2017 // now stop the watcher
1463 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2018 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
2019 }
1464 2020
1465 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2021 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1466 } 2022 }
2023
2024Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
2025in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
2026
2027Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
2028notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
2029callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
2030
2031 static void
2032 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2033 {
2034 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2035 update_now (EV_A);
2036
2037 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2038 }
2039
2040 static void
2041 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2042 {
2043 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2044 update_now (EV_A);
2045
2046 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2047 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2048 }
2049
2050 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2051
2052Method 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
2054their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2055loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2056this.
2057
2058 static gint
2059 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2060 {
2061 int got_events = 0;
2062
2063 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2064 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2065
2066 if (timeout >= 0)
2067 // create/start timer
2068
2069 // poll
2070 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2071
2072 // stop timer again
2073 if (timeout >= 0)
2074 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2075
2076 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2077 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2078 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2079
2080 return got_events;
2081 }
1467 2082
1468 2083
1469=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2084=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1470 2085
1471This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2086This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1513portable one. 2128portable one.
1514 2129
1515So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2130So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1516that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2131that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1517this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2132this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1518create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2133create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1519 2134
1520 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2135=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1521 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1522 struct ev_embed embed;
1523
1524 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1525 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1526 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1527 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1528 : 0;
1529
1530 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1531 if (loop_lo)
1532 {
1533 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1534 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1535 }
1536 else
1537 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1538 2136
1539=over 4 2137=over 4
1540 2138
1541=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2139=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1542 2140
1544 2142
1545Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2143Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1546embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2144embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1547invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2145invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1548to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2146to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1549if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2147if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1550 2148
1551=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2149=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1552 2150
1553Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2151Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1554similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2152similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1555apropriate way for embedded loops. 2153appropriate way for embedded loops.
1556 2154
1557=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 2155=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1558 2156
1559The embedded event loop. 2157The embedded event loop.
1560 2158
1561=back 2159=back
2160
2161=head3 Examples
2162
2163Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2164event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2165loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2166C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2167used).
2168
2169 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2170 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2171 struct ev_embed embed;
2172
2173 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2174 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2175 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2176 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2177 : 0;
2178
2179 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2180 if (loop_lo)
2181 {
2182 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2183 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2184 }
2185 else
2186 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2187
2188Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2189a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2190kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2191C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2192
2193 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2194 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2195 struct ev_embed embed;
2196
2197 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2198 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2199 {
2200 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2201 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2202 }
2203
2204 if (!loop_socket)
2205 loop_socket = loop;
2206
2207 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1562 2208
1563 2209
1564=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2210=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1565 2211
1566Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2212Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1569event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2215event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1570and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2216and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1571C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2217C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1572handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2218handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1573 2219
2220=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2221
1574=over 4 2222=over 4
1575 2223
1576=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2224=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1577 2225
1578Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2226Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1579kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2227kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1580believe me. 2228believe me.
2229
2230=back
2231
2232
2233=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2234
2235In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2236asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2237loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2238
2239Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2240control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2241C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2242can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2243safe.
2244
2245This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2246too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2247(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2248C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2249
2250Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2251just the default loop.
2252
2253=head3 Queueing
2254
2255C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2256is 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
2258need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2259
2260That 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
2262queue:
2263
2264=over 4
2265
2266=item queueing from a signal handler context
2267
2268To 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
2270some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2271
2272 static ev_async mysig;
2273
2274 static void
2275 sigusr1_handler (void)
2276 {
2277 sometype data;
2278
2279 // no locking etc.
2280 queue_put (data);
2281 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2282 }
2283
2284 static void
2285 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2286 {
2287 sometype data;
2288 sigset_t block, prev;
2289
2290 sigemptyset (&block);
2291 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2292 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2293
2294 while (queue_get (&data))
2295 process (data);
2296
2297 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2298 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2299 }
2300
2301(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2302instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2303either...).
2304
2305=item queueing from a thread context
2306
2307The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2308threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2309employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2310
2311 static ev_async mysig;
2312 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2313
2314 static void
2315 otherthread (void)
2316 {
2317 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2318 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2319 queue_put (data);
2320 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2321
2322 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2323 }
2324
2325 static void
2326 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2327 {
2328 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2329
2330 while (queue_get (&data))
2331 process (data);
2332
2333 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2334 }
2335
2336=back
2337
2338
2339=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2340
2341=over 4
2342
2343=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2344
2345Initialises 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,
2347believe me.
2348
2349=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2350
2351Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2352an 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
2354similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2355section below on what exactly this means).
2356
2357This 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
2359calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2360
2361=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2362
2363Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2364watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2365event loop.
2366
2367C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2368the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2369it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2370quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2371
2372Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2373whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1581 2374
1582=back 2375=back
1583 2376
1584 2377
1585=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2378=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1596or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2389or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1597more watchers yourself. 2390more watchers yourself.
1598 2391
1599If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2392If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
1600is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2393is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
1601C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2394C<events> set will be created and started.
1602 2395
1603If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2396If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1604started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2397started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1605repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2398repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1606dubious value. 2399dubious value.
1608The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2401The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
1609passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2402passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
1610C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2403C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1611value passed to C<ev_once>: 2404value passed to C<ev_once>:
1612 2405
1613 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2406 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
1614 { 2407 {
1615 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2408 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
1616 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2409 /* doh, nothing entered */;
1617 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2410 else if (revents & EV_READ)
1618 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2411 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
1619 } 2412 }
1620 2413
1621 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2414 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1622 2415
1623=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2416=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1624 2417
1625Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2418Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1626had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2419had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1631Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2424Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1632the given events it. 2425the given events it.
1633 2426
1634=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2427=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1635 2428
1636Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2429Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1637loop!). 2430loop!).
1638 2431
1639=back 2432=back
1640 2433
1641 2434
1657 2450
1658=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2451=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1659will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2452will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1660is an ev_pri field. 2453is an ev_pri field.
1661 2454
2455=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2456first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2457
1662=item * Other members are not supported. 2458=item * Other members are not supported.
1663 2459
1664=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2460=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1665to use the libev header file and library. 2461to use the libev header file and library.
1666 2462
1667=back 2463=back
1668 2464
1669=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2465=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1670 2466
1671Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2467Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1672you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2468you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1673the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2469the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1674 2470
1675To use it, 2471To use it,
1676 2472
1677 #include <ev++.h> 2473 #include <ev++.h>
1678 2474
1679(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2475This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1680and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2476of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1681namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2477put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2478options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1682 2479
1683It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2480Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1684C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2481classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2482that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2483you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2484
2485Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2486used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2487need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2488types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2489it).
1685 2490
1686Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2491Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1687 2492
1688=over 4 2493=over 4
1689 2494
1705 2510
1706All of those classes have these methods: 2511All of those classes have these methods:
1707 2512
1708=over 4 2513=over 4
1709 2514
1710=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2515=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1711 2516
1712=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2517=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1713 2518
1714=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2519=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1715 2520
1716The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2521The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1717the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2522with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1718C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2523
1719before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2524The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1720automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2525C<set> method before starting it.
2526
2527It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2528method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2529
2530(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2531not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1721 2532
1722The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2533The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2534
2535=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2536
2537This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2538signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2539first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2540parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2541
2542This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2543the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2544callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2545your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2546thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2547
2548Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2549
2550 struct myclass
2551 {
2552 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2553 }
2554
2555 myclass obj;
2556 ev::io iow;
2557 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2558
2559=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2560
2561Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2562callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2563C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2564
2565The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2566
2567See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2568
2569Example:
2570
2571 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2572 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1723 2573
1724=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2574=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1725 2575
1726Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2576Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1727do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2577do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1728 2578
1729=item w->set ([args]) 2579=item w->set ([arguments])
1730 2580
1731Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2581Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
1732called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2582called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1733automatically stopped and restarted. 2583automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2584method.
1734 2585
1735=item w->start () 2586=item w->start ()
1736 2587
1737Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2588Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1738constructor already takes the loop. 2589constructor already stores the event loop.
1739 2590
1740=item w->stop () 2591=item w->stop ()
1741 2592
1742Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2593Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1743 2594
1744=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2595=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1745 2596
1746For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2597For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1747C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2598C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1748 2599
1749=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2600=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1750 2601
1751Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2602Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1752 2603
1753=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2604=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1754 2605
1755Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2606Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1756 2607
1757=back 2608=back
1758 2609
1759=back 2610=back
1760 2611
1761Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2612Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1762the constructor. 2613the constructor.
1763 2614
1764 class myclass 2615 class myclass
1765 { 2616 {
1766 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2617 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1767 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2618 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1768 2619
1769 myclass (); 2620 myclass (int fd)
1770 } 2621 {
2622 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2623 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1771 2624
1772 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1773 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1774 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1775 {
1776 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2625 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2626 }
1777 } 2627 };
2628
2629
2630=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2631
2632Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2633number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2634any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2635me a note.
2636
2637=over 4
2638
2639=item Perl
2640
2641The 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,
2643there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2644to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2645C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2646
2647It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2648L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2649
2650=item Python
2651
2652Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2653seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2654patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2655for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2656libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2657libev).
2658
2659=item Ruby
2660
2661Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2662of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2663more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2664L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2665
2666=item D
2667
2668Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2669be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2670
2671=back
1778 2672
1779 2673
1780=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2674=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1781 2675
1782Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2676Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
1783C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2677of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1784callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2678functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1785 2679
1786To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2680To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1787following macros are defined: 2681following macros are defined:
1788 2682
1789=over 4 2683=over 4
1792 2686
1793This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2687This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1794loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2688loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1795C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2689C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1796 2690
1797 ev_unref (EV_A); 2691 ev_unref (EV_A);
1798 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2692 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1799 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2693 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1800 2694
1801It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2695It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1802which is often provided by the following macro. 2696which is often provided by the following macro.
1803 2697
1804=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2698=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1805 2699
1806This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2700This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1807loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2701loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1808C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2702C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1809 2703
1810 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2704 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1811 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2705 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1812 2706
1813 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2707 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1814 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2708 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1815 2709
1816It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2710It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1817suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2711suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1818 2712
1819=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2713=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1820 2714
1821Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2715Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1822loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2716loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1823 2717
2718=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2719
2720Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2721default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2722is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2723execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2724
2725It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2726watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2727
1824=back 2728=back
1825 2729
1826Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2730Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1827wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2731macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2732or not.
1828 2733
1829 static void 2734 static void
1830 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2735 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1831 { 2736 {
1832 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2737 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1833 } 2738 }
1834 2739
1835 ev_check check; 2740 ev_check check;
1836 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2741 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1837 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2742 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1838 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2743 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1839
1840 2744
1841=head1 EMBEDDING 2745=head1 EMBEDDING
1842 2746
1843Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2747Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1844applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2748applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1845Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2749Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1846and rxvt-unicode. 2750and rxvt-unicode.
1847 2751
1848The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2752The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1849source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2753source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1850you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2754you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1851libev somewhere in your source tree). 2755libev somewhere in your source tree).
1852 2756
1853=head2 FILESETS 2757=head2 FILESETS
1854 2758
1855Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2759Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1856in your app. 2760in your application.
1857 2761
1858=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2762=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1859 2763
1860To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2764To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1861configuration (no autoconf): 2765configuration (no autoconf):
1862 2766
1863 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2767 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1864 #include "ev.c" 2768 #include "ev.c"
1865 2769
1866This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2770This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1867single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2771single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1868it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2772it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1869done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2773done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1870where you can put other configuration options): 2774where you can put other configuration options):
1871 2775
1872 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2776 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1873 #include "ev.h" 2777 #include "ev.h"
1874 2778
1875Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2779Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1876compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2780compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1877as a bug). 2781as a bug).
1878 2782
1879You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2783You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1880in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2784in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1881 2785
1882 ev.h 2786 ev.h
1883 ev.c 2787 ev.c
1884 ev_vars.h 2788 ev_vars.h
1885 ev_wrap.h 2789 ev_wrap.h
1886 2790
1887 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2791 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1888 2792
1889 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2793 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1890 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2794 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1891 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2795 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1892 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2796 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1893 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2797 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1894 2798
1895F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2799F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1896to compile this single file. 2800to compile this single file.
1897 2801
1898=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2802=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1899 2803
1900To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2804To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1901 2805
1902 #include "event.c" 2806 #include "event.c"
1903 2807
1904in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2808in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1905 2809
1906 #include "event.h" 2810 #include "event.h"
1907 2811
1908in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2812in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1909 2813
1910You need the following additional files for this: 2814You need the following additional files for this:
1911 2815
1912 event.h 2816 event.h
1913 event.c 2817 event.c
1914 2818
1915=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2819=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1916 2820
1917Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2821Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
1918whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2822whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1919F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2823F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1920include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2824include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1921 2825
1922For this of course you need the m4 file: 2826For this of course you need the m4 file:
1923 2827
1924 libev.m4 2828 libev.m4
1925 2829
1926=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2830=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1927 2831
1928Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2832Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
1929before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2833define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
1930and only include the select backend. 2834autoconf is noted for every option.
1931 2835
1932=over 4 2836=over 4
1933 2837
1934=item EV_STANDALONE 2838=item EV_STANDALONE
1935 2839
1940F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2844F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1941 2845
1942=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2846=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1943 2847
1944If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2848If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1945monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2849monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
1946of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2850of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1947usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2851usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1948the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2852the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1949to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2853to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1950function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2854function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1951 2855
1952=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2856=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1953 2857
1954If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2858If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1955realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2859real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
1956runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2860runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
1957be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2861be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1958(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2862(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1959in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2863note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2864
2865=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2866
2867If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2868and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2869
2870=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2871
2872If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2873available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2874C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2875If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28762.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1960 2877
1961=item EV_USE_SELECT 2878=item EV_USE_SELECT
1962 2879
1963If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2880If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1964C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2881C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
1965other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2882other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
1966will not be compiled in. 2883will not be compiled in.
1967 2884
1968=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2885=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
1969 2886
1970If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2887If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
1971structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2888structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
1972C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2889C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
1973exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2890exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
1974low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2891low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
1975allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2892allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
1976influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2893influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
1977 2894
1983be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2900be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1984C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2901C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1985it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2902it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1986on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2903on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1987 2904
2905=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2906
2907If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2908file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2909default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2910correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2911in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2912
1988=item EV_USE_POLL 2913=item EV_USE_POLL
1989 2914
1990If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2915If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1991backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2916backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1992takes precedence over select. 2917takes precedence over select.
1993 2918
1994=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2919=item EV_USE_EPOLL
1995 2920
1996If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2921If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
1997C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2922C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1998otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2923otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1999preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2924backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2925headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2000 2926
2001=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2927=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2002 2928
2003If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2929If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2004C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2930C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2017otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2943otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2018backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2944backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2019 2945
2020=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2946=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2021 2947
2022reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2948Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2023 2949
2024=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2950=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2025 2951
2026If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2952If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2027interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2953interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2028be detected at runtime. 2954be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2955indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2956
2957=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2958
2959Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2960access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2961type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2962that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2963as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2964
2965In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2966(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2029 2967
2030=item EV_H 2968=item EV_H
2031 2969
2032The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2970The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2033undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2971undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2034can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2972used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2035 2973
2036=item EV_CONFIG_H 2974=item EV_CONFIG_H
2037 2975
2038If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2976If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2039F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2977F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2040C<EV_H>, above. 2978C<EV_H>, above.
2041 2979
2042=item EV_EVENT_H 2980=item EV_EVENT_H
2043 2981
2044Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2982Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2045of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2983of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2046 2984
2047=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2985=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2048 2986
2049If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2987If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2050prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2988prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2057will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2995will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2058additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2996additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2059for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2997for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2060argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2998argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2061 2999
3000=item EV_MINPRI
3001
3002=item EV_MAXPRI
3003
3004The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3005C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
3006provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
3007to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
3008
3009When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3010all 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
3012fine.
3013
3014If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
3015C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3016
2062=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3017=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2063 3018
2064If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3019If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2065defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3020defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2066code. 3021code.
2067 3022
3023=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
3024
3025If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3026defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3027code.
3028
2068=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3029=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2069 3030
2070If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3031If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2071defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3032defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2072 3033
2078=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3039=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2079 3040
2080If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3041If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2081defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3042defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2082 3043
3044=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3045
3046If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3047defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3048
2083=item EV_MINIMAL 3049=item EV_MINIMAL
2084 3050
2085If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3051If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2086speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3052speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2087some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3053inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3054much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2088 3055
2089=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3056=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2090 3057
2091C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3058C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2092pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3059pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2093than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3060than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2094increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 3061increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2095 3062
2096=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 3063=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2097 3064
2098C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3065C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2099inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3066inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2100usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3067usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2101watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3068watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2102two). 3069two).
2103 3070
3071=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3072
3073Heaps 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
3075to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3076noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3077
3078The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3079(disabled).
3080
3081=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3082
3083Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3084timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3085the 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,
3087but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3088noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3089
3090The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3091(disabled).
3092
3093=item EV_VERIFY
3094
3095Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3096be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3097in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3098called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3099called 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
3101libev considerably.
3102
3103The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3104C<0.>
3105
2104=item EV_COMMON 3106=item EV_COMMON
2105 3107
2106By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3108By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2107this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3109this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2108members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3110members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2109though, and it must be identical each time. 3111though, and it must be identical each time.
2110 3112
2111For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3113For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2112 3114
2113 #define EV_COMMON \ 3115 #define EV_COMMON \
2114 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3116 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2115 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3117 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2116 3118
2117=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3119=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2118 3120
2119=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3121=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2120 3122
2121=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3123=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2122 3124
2123Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3125Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2124and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3126and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2125definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3127definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2126their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3128their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2127avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3129avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2128method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3130method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3131
3132=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3133
3134If 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
3136all public symbols, one per line:
3137
3138 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3139 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3140
3141This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3142multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3143itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3144
3145A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3146include before including F<ev.h>:
3147
3148 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3149
3150This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3151
3152 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3153 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3154 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3155 ...
2129 3156
2130=head2 EXAMPLES 3157=head2 EXAMPLES
2131 3158
2132For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3159For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2133verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3160verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2136interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 3163interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2137will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 3164will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2138file. 3165file.
2139 3166
2140The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3167The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2141that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 3168that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2142 3169
3170 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2143 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3171 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2144 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3172 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2145 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 3173 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3174 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3175 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2146 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3176 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3177 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3178 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2147 3179
2148 #include "ev++.h" 3180 #include "ev++.h"
2149 3181
2150And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3182And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2151 3183
2152 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3184 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2153 #include "ev.c" 3185 #include "ev.c"
3186
3187
3188=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3189
3190=head2 THREADS
3191
3192Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3193means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3194only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3195parameter.
3196
3197Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3198parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3199done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3200thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3201per loop).
3202
3203If 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
3205help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3206
3207=over 4
3208
3209=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.
3211
3212This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3213themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3214
3215=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3216
3217Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3218exists, but it is always a good start.
3219
3220=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3221loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3222
3223Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3224better than you currently do :-)
3225
3226=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3227event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3228threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3229
3230=back
3231
3232=head2 COROUTINES
3233
3234Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3235libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3236coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3237different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3238loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3239you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3240
3241Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3242state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3243switches.
2154 3244
2155 3245
2156=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3246=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2157 3247
2158In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3248In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2159libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3249libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2160documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3250documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2161 3251
3252All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3253extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3254happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3255mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3256it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3257
2162=over 4 3258=over 4
2163 3259
2164=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3260=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2165 3261
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
2166=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3266=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2167 3267
3268That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3269as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3270
2168=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3271=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2169 3272
3273These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3274
2170=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3275=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2171 3276
2172=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3277=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2173 3278
3279These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3280correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3281have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3282
2174=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3283=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3284
3285By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3286fixed position in the storage array.
2175 3287
2176=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3288=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2177 3289
2178=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3290A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3291libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3292on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3293
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.
2179 3312
2180=back 3313=back
2181 3314
2182 3315
3316=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3317
3318Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3319requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3320model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3321the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3322descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3323e.g. cygwin.
3324
3325Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3326re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3327things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3328way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3329
3330There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3331embedding it into other applications.
3332
3333Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3334accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3335either 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
3337megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3338available).
3339
3340Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3341the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3342is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3343more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3344different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3345notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3346(Microsoft monopoly games).
3347
3348A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3349section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3350of F<ev.h>:
3351
3352 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3353 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3354
3355 #include "ev.h"
3356
3357And 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!):
3359
3360 #include "evwrap.h"
3361 #include "ev.c"
3362
3363=over 4
3364
3365=item The winsocket select function
3366
3367The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3368requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3369also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3370requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3371C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3372discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3373C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3374
3375The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3376libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3377
3378 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3379 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3380
3381Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3382complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3383
3384=item Limited number of file descriptors
3385
3386Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3387
3388Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3389of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3390can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3391recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3392previous thread in each. Great).
3393
3394Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3395to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3396call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3397select emulation on windows).
3398
3399Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3400libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3401or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3402C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3403arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3404libraries.
3405
3406This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3407windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3408wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3409calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3410
3411=back
3412
3413
3414=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3415
3416In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3417additional extensions:
3418
3419=over 4
3420
3421=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3422calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3423
3424Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3425structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3426assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3427callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3428calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3429
3430=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3431
3432The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3433C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3434threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3435believed to be sufficiently portable.
3436
3437=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3438
3439Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3440allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3441pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3442thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3443be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3444C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3445
3446The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3447except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3448well.
3449
3450=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3451
3452To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3453internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3454non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3455is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3456millions of watchers.
3457
3458=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3459
3460The 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
3462enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3463implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3464
3465=back
3466
3467If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3468
3469
3470=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3471
3472Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3473lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3474scared by this.
3475
3476However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3477has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3478warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3479targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3480
3481Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3482workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3483maintainable.
3484
3485And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3486wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3487seems to warn about).
3488
3489While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3490"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3491with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3492them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3493warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3494
3495
3496=head1 VALGRIND
3497
3498Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3499highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3500
3501If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3502in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3503
3504 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3505 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3506 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3507
3508Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
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
3512If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3513with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3514a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3515no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3516properly.
3517
3518If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3519I suggest using suppression lists.
3520
3521
2183=head1 AUTHOR 3522=head1 AUTHOR
2184 3523
2185Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3524Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2186 3525

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