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Revision 1.131 by root, Tue Feb 19 17:09:28 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.173 by root, Thu Aug 7 19:24:56 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
245
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 284
253=over 4 285=over 4
254 286
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 288
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 293
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 295function.
264 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
271 307
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
283 319
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 321
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 327around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
298 334
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 341
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 344flag.
309 345
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 347environment variable.
312 348
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 350
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 356
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
327 363
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 365
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup. 381support for dup.
346 382
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
352 388
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
356 392
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360 396
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
363 399
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 401
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
373 409
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 413
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 420
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 422
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 438
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 441
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 445
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 449might perform better.
414 450
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
418 454
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 456
424 460
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 462
427=back 463=back
428 464
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 468
433The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
434 470
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 473
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
440 476
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 478
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
446 482
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 484
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 486
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 497
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 501
462=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 503
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 510for example).
471 511
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
554those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
555case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
556 596
557A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
558neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
559your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
560one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
561external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
562libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
563usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
564 604
565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
566 606
567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 609 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
571 - 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.
572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
573 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
578 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
581 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
582 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
584 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
585 - 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).
586 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
587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
588 - 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
593anymore. 634anymore.
594 635
595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
596 ... 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..)
597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
598 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
599 640
600=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
601 642
602Can 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
603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
624respectively). 665respectively).
625 666
626Example: 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>
627running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
628 669
629 struct ev_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
630 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
631 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
632 evf_unref (loop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
633 674
634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
635 676
636 ev_ref (loop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638 679
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640 681
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642 683
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 685for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
646 688
647Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 689Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
648allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
649increase efficiency of loop iterations. 691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
650 693
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
652handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 695handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
653the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 696the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
654events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
666will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
667any overhead in libev. 710any overhead in libev.
668 711
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 713interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 714interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 715usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 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.
674 735
675=back 736=back
676 737
677 738
678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
679 740
680A 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
681interest 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
682become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
683 744
684 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)
685 { 746 {
686 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
687 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
688 } 749 }
689 750
690 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
691 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
692 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
693 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
694 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
695 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
696 757
697As 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
698watcher 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,
699although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
700 761
701Each 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
702(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
703callback 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
704watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
705is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
706 767
707Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
708with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
784 845
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786 847
787=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
788 849
789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
791ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 852ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
792problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
793with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
794 855
795Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
796for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 857for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
797your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 858your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
798with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
799programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
800 861
801=back 862=back
802 863
803=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
833Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
834(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.
835 896
836=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
837 898
838This 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
839calls 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
840a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
841 902
842=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
843 904
844Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
927to 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
928don'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
929member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
930data: 991data:
931 992
932 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
933 { 994 {
934 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
935 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
936 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
937 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
938 } 999 }
939 1000
940And 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
941can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
942 1003
943 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)
944 { 1005 {
945 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
946 ... 1007 ...
947 } 1008 }
948 1009
949More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
950instead have been omitted. 1011instead have been omitted.
951 1012
952Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
953watchers: 1014watchers:
954 1015
955 struct my_biggy 1016 struct my_biggy
956 { 1017 {
957 int some_data; 1018 int some_data;
958 ev_timer t1; 1019 ev_timer t1;
959 ev_timer t2; 1020 ev_timer t2;
960 } 1021 }
961 1022
962In 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,
963you need to use C<offsetof>: 1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
964 1025
965 #include <stddef.h> 1026 #include <stddef.h>
966 1027
967 static void 1028 static void
968 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
969 { 1030 {
970 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
971 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
972 } 1033 }
973 1034
974 static void 1035 static void
975 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
976 { 1037 {
977 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
978 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
979 } 1040 }
980 1041
981 1042
982=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
983 1044
984This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1074If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1016 1077
1017Another 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
1018receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1019be 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
1020because 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
1021lot 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
1022this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1023it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1084it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1024C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1025 1086
1026If 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
1027play 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
1028whether 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
1029such 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
1030its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
1031 1092
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1131To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1132C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1133enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074 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
1075 1148
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1149=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1077 1150
1078=over 4 1151=over 4
1079 1152
1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1153=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1081 1154
1082=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1155=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1083 1156
1084Configures 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
1085rceeive 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
1086C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1159C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1087 1160
1088=item int fd [read-only] 1161=item int fd [read-only]
1089 1162
1090The file descriptor being watched. 1163The file descriptor being watched.
1099 1172
1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1173Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1174readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1175attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1103 1176
1104 static void 1177 static void
1105 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)
1106 { 1179 {
1107 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1180 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1108 .. 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
1109 } 1182 }
1110 1183
1111 ... 1184 ...
1112 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1185 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1113 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1186 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1114 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);
1115 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1188 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1116 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1189 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1117 1190
1118 1191
1119=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1192=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1120 1193
1121Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1194Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1122given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1195given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1123 1196
1124The 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
1125times 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
1126time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1199year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1127detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1200detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1128monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1201monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1129 1202
1130The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1203The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1131time. 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
1133you 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
1134on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1207on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1135 1208
1136 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1209 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1137 1210
1138The 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,
1139but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1212but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1140order of execution is undefined. 1213order of execution is undefined.
1141 1214
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1215=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143 1216
1145 1218
1146=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)
1147 1220
1148=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)
1149 1222
1150Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1223Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1151C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1224is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1152timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1225reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1153later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1226configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1227until stopped manually.
1154 1228
1155The 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
1156configure 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
1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1231trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1158the 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
1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1233do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1160 1234
1161=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1235=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1162 1236
1163This 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
1164repeating. The exact semantics are: 1238repeating. The exact semantics are:
1165 1239
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1240If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167 1241
1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1242If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1169 1243
1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1244If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1171C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1245C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1172 1246
1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1247This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1174example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1248example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1175timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1249timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1176seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1250seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1177configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1251configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1178C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1252C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1179you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1253you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1205 1279
1206=head3 Examples 1280=head3 Examples
1207 1281
1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1282Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1209 1283
1210 static void 1284 static void
1211 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)
1212 { 1286 {
1213 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1287 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1214 } 1288 }
1215 1289
1216 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1290 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1217 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1291 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1218 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1292 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1219 1293
1220Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1294Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1221inactivity. 1295inactivity.
1222 1296
1223 static void 1297 static void
1224 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)
1225 { 1299 {
1226 .. ten seconds without any activity 1300 .. ten seconds without any activity
1227 } 1301 }
1228 1302
1229 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1303 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1230 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 */
1231 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1305 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1232 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1306 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1233 1307
1234 // 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":
1235 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1309 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1236 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1310 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1237 1311
1238 1312
1239=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1313=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1240 1314
1241Periodic 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
1242(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1316(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1243 1317
1244Unlike 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)
1245but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1319but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1246to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1320to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1247periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1321periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1248+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 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
1249take 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
1250roughly 10 seconds later). 1325roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1251 1326
1252They 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,
1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1328such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1254rules. 1329complicated, rules.
1255 1330
1256As 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
1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1332time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1333during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1259 1334
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1335=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261 1336
1262=over 4 1337=over 4
1270 1345
1271=over 4 1346=over 4
1272 1347
1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1348=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1274 1349
1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1350In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1351time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1352jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1278system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1353run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1279 1354
1280=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1355=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1281 1356
1282In 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
1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1358C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1359and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1285 1360
1286This 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
1287time: 1362time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1363the hour:
1288 1364
1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1365 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1290 1366
1291This 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,
1292but 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
1293full 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
1294by 3600. 1370by 3600.
1295 1371
1296Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1372Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1297C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1373C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1374time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1299 1375
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1376For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1377C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value. 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).
1303 1384
1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1385=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1305 1386
1306In 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
1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1388ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1389reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1309current time as second argument. 1390current time as second argument.
1310 1391
1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1392NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1312ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1393ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1315 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
1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1399The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1400*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1318 1401
1319 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)
1320 { 1403 {
1321 return now + 60.; 1404 return now + 60.;
1322 } 1405 }
1324It 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
1325(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
1326will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1409will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1327might be called at other times, too. 1410might be called at other times, too.
1328 1411
1329NOTE: 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
1330passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1413equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1331 1414
1332This 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
1333triggers 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
1334next 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
1335you 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
1336reason I omitted it as an example). 1419reason I omitted it as an example).
1337 1420
1338=back 1421=back
1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1425Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1343when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1426when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1427a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1345program when the crontabs have changed). 1428program when the crontabs have changed).
1346 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
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1435=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348 1436
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1437When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1438absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351 1439
1362 1450
1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1451The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1364switched 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
1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1453the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1366 1454
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1372=back 1455=back
1373 1456
1374=head3 Examples 1457=head3 Examples
1375 1458
1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1459Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1460system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1461potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1379 1462
1380 static void 1463 static void
1381 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)
1382 { 1465 {
1383 ... 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)
1384 } 1467 }
1385 1468
1386 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1469 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1387 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1470 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1388 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1471 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1389 1472
1390Example: 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:
1391 1474
1392 #include <math.h> 1475 #include <math.h>
1393 1476
1394 static ev_tstamp 1477 static ev_tstamp
1395 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1478 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1396 { 1479 {
1397 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1480 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1398 } 1481 }
1399 1482
1400 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);
1401 1484
1402Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1485Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1403 1486
1404 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1487 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1405 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1488 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1406 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1489 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1407 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1490 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1408 1491
1409 1492
1410=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1493=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1411 1494
1412Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1495Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1419with 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
1420as 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
1421watcher 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
1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1505SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1423 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
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1513=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425 1514
1426=over 4 1515=over 4
1427 1516
1428=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1517=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1436 1525
1437The signal the watcher watches out for. 1526The signal the watcher watches out for.
1438 1527
1439=back 1528=back
1440 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
1441 1544
1442=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1545=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1443 1546
1444Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1547Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1445some 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 Stopping the Child Watcher
1576
1577Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1578child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1579callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1580when a child exit is detected.
1446 1581
1447=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1582=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1448 1583
1449=over 4 1584=over 4
1450 1585
1476 1611
1477=back 1612=back
1478 1613
1479=head3 Examples 1614=head3 Examples
1480 1615
1481Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1616Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1617its completion.
1482 1618
1619 ev_child cw;
1620
1483 static void 1621 static void
1484 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1622 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1485 { 1623 {
1486 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1624 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1625 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1487 } 1626 }
1488 1627
1489 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1628 pid_t pid = fork ();
1490 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1629
1491 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1630 if (pid < 0)
1631 // error
1632 else if (pid == 0)
1633 {
1634 // the forked child executes here
1635 exit (1);
1636 }
1637 else
1638 {
1639 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1640 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1641 }
1492 1642
1493 1643
1494=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1644=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1495 1645
1496This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1646This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1497C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1647C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1498compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1648compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1499 1649
1500The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1650The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1501not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1651not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1519as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1669as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1520resource-intensive. 1670resource-intensive.
1521 1671
1522At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1672At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1523implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1673implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1674reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1524reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1675semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1525semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1676not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1526to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1677sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1527usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1678but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1528polling. 1679will be no polling.
1680
1681=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1682
1683Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1684compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1685support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1686structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1687use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1688compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1689obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1690most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1691
1692The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1693file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1694optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1695to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1696default compilation environment.
1529 1697
1530=head3 Inotify 1698=head3 Inotify
1531 1699
1532When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1700When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1533available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1701available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1534change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1702change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1535when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1703when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1536 1704
1537Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1705Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1538except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1706except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1539making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1707making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1540there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1708there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1541 1709
1542(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1710(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1543implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1711implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1544descriptor open on the object at all times). 1712descriptor open on the object at all times).
1545 1713
1546=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1714=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1547 1715
1548The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1716The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1549even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1717even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1550only support whole seconds. 1718only support whole seconds.
1551 1719
1552That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1720That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1553miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1721easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1554your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1722calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1555the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1723within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1724data does not change.
1556 1725
1557The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1726The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1558the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1727than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1559(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1728a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1560is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1729ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1561systems. 1730
1731The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1732of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1733might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1734C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1735a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1736update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1737the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1738the timer callback).
1562 1739
1563=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1740=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1564 1741
1565=over 4 1742=over 4
1566 1743
1572C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1749C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1573be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1750be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1574a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1751a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1575path for as long as the watcher is active. 1752path for as long as the watcher is active.
1576 1753
1577The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1754The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1578relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1755to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1579last change was detected). 1756was detected).
1580 1757
1581=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1758=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1582 1759
1583Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1760Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1584watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1761watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1585detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1762detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1586useful simply to find out the new values. 1763the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1764new values.
1587 1765
1588=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1766=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1589 1767
1590The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1768The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1591C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1769C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1592suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1770suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1771members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1593was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1772some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1594 1773
1595=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1774=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1596 1775
1597The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1776The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1598C<prev> != C<attr>. 1777C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1778differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1779C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1599 1780
1600=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1781=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1601 1782
1602The specified interval. 1783The specified interval.
1603 1784
1604=item const char *path [read-only] 1785=item const char *path [read-only]
1605 1786
1606The filesystem path that is being watched. 1787The file system path that is being watched.
1607 1788
1608=back 1789=back
1609 1790
1610=head3 Examples 1791=head3 Examples
1611 1792
1612Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1793Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1613 1794
1614 static void 1795 static void
1615 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1796 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1616 { 1797 {
1617 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1798 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1618 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1799 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1619 { 1800 {
1620 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1801 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1621 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1802 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1622 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1803 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1623 } 1804 }
1624 else 1805 else
1625 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1806 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1626 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1807 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1627 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1808 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1628 } 1809 }
1629 1810
1630 ... 1811 ...
1631 ev_stat passwd; 1812 ev_stat passwd;
1632 1813
1633 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1814 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1634 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1815 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1635 1816
1636Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1817Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1637miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1818miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1638one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1819one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1639C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1820C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1640 1821
1641 static ev_stat passwd; 1822 static ev_stat passwd;
1642 static ev_timer timer; 1823 static ev_timer timer;
1643 1824
1644 static void 1825 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1826 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 { 1827 {
1647 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1828 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1648 1829
1649 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1830 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1650 } 1831 }
1651 1832
1652 static void 1833 static void
1653 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1834 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1654 { 1835 {
1655 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1836 /* reset the one-second timer */
1656 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1837 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1657 } 1838 }
1658 1839
1659 ... 1840 ...
1660 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1841 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1661 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1842 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1662 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1843 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1663 1844
1664 1845
1665=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1846=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1666 1847
1667Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1848Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1698=head3 Examples 1879=head3 Examples
1699 1880
1700Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1881Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1701callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1882callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1702 1883
1703 static void 1884 static void
1704 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1885 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1705 { 1886 {
1706 free (w); 1887 free (w);
1707 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1888 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1708 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1889 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1709 } 1890 }
1710 1891
1711 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1892 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1712 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1893 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1713 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1894 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1714 1895
1715 1896
1716=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1897=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1717 1898
1718Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1899Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1737 1918
1738This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1919This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1739to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1920to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1740them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1921them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1741provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1922provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1742any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1923any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1743and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1924and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1744callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1925callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1745because you never know, you know?). 1926because you never know, you know?).
1746 1927
1747As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1928As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1755 1936
1756It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1937It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1757priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1938priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1758after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1939after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1759too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1940too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1760supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1941supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1761did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1942did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1762(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1943(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1763state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1944state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1764coexist peacefully with others). 1945coexist peacefully with others).
1765 1946
1780=head3 Examples 1961=head3 Examples
1781 1962
1782There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1963There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1783into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1964into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1784(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1965(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1785use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1966use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1786embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1967Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1787into the Glib event loop). 1968Glib event loop).
1788 1969
1789Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1970Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1790and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1971and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1791is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1972is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1792priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1973priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1793the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1974the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1794 1975
1795 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1976 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1796 static ev_timer tw; 1977 static ev_timer tw;
1797 1978
1798 static void 1979 static void
1799 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1980 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1800 { 1981 {
1801 } 1982 }
1802 1983
1803 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1984 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1804 static void 1985 static void
1805 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1986 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1806 { 1987 {
1807 int timeout = 3600000; 1988 int timeout = 3600000;
1808 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1989 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1809 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1990 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1810 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1991 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1811 1992
1812 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1993 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1813 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1994 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1814 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1995 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1815 1996
1816 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1997 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1817 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1998 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1818 { 1999 {
1819 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2000 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1820 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2001 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1821 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2002 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1822 2003
1823 fds [i].revents = 0; 2004 fds [i].revents = 0;
1824 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2005 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1825 } 2006 }
1826 } 2007 }
1827 2008
1828 // stop all watchers after blocking 2009 // stop all watchers after blocking
1829 static void 2010 static void
1830 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2011 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1831 { 2012 {
1832 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2013 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1833 2014
1834 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2015 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1835 { 2016 {
1836 // set the relevant poll flags 2017 // set the relevant poll flags
1837 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2018 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1838 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2019 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1839 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2020 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1840 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2021 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1841 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2022 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1842 2023
1843 // now stop the watcher 2024 // now stop the watcher
1844 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2025 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1845 } 2026 }
1846 2027
1847 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2028 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1848 } 2029 }
1849 2030
1850Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2031Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1851in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2032in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1852 2033
1853Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2034Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1854notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2035notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1855callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2036callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1856 2037
1857 static void 2038 static void
1858 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2039 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1859 { 2040 {
1860 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2041 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1861 update_now (EV_A); 2042 update_now (EV_A);
1862 2043
1863 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2044 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1864 } 2045 }
1865 2046
1866 static void 2047 static void
1867 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2048 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1868 { 2049 {
1869 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2050 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1870 update_now (EV_A); 2051 update_now (EV_A);
1871 2052
1872 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2053 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1873 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2054 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1874 } 2055 }
1875 2056
1876 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2057 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1877 2058
1878Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2059Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1879want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2060want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1880their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2061their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1881loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2062loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1882this. 2063this.
1883 2064
1884 static gint 2065 static gint
1885 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2066 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1886 { 2067 {
1887 int got_events = 0; 2068 int got_events = 0;
1888 2069
1889 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2070 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1890 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2071 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1891 2072
1892 if (timeout >= 0) 2073 if (timeout >= 0)
1893 // create/start timer 2074 // create/start timer
1894 2075
1895 // poll 2076 // poll
1896 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2077 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1897 2078
1898 // stop timer again 2079 // stop timer again
1899 if (timeout >= 0) 2080 if (timeout >= 0)
1900 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2081 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1901 2082
1902 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2083 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1903 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2084 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1904 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2085 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1905 2086
1906 return got_events; 2087 return got_events;
1907 } 2088 }
1908 2089
1909 2090
1910=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2091=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1911 2092
1912This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2093This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1968 2149
1969Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2150Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1970embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2151embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1971invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2152invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1972to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2153to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1973if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2154if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1974 2155
1975=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2156=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1976 2157
1977Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2158Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1978similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2159similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1979apropriate way for embedded loops. 2160appropriate way for embedded loops.
1980 2161
1981=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2162=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1982 2163
1983The embedded event loop. 2164The embedded event loop.
1984 2165
1986 2167
1987=head3 Examples 2168=head3 Examples
1988 2169
1989Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2170Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1990event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2171event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1991loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2172loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1992C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2173C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1993used). 2174used).
1994 2175
1995 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2176 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1996 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2177 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1997 struct ev_embed embed; 2178 struct ev_embed embed;
1998 2179
1999 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2180 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2000 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2181 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2001 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2182 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2002 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2183 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2003 : 0; 2184 : 0;
2004 2185
2005 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2186 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2006 if (loop_lo) 2187 if (loop_lo)
2007 { 2188 {
2008 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2189 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2009 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2190 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2010 } 2191 }
2011 else 2192 else
2012 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2193 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2013 2194
2014Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2195Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2015a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2196a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2016kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2197kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2017C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2198C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2018 2199
2019 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2200 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2020 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2201 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2021 struct ev_embed embed; 2202 struct ev_embed embed;
2022 2203
2023 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2204 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2024 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2205 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2025 { 2206 {
2026 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2207 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2027 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2208 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2028 } 2209 }
2029 2210
2030 if (!loop_socket) 2211 if (!loop_socket)
2031 loop_socket = loop; 2212 loop_socket = loop;
2032 2213
2033 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2214 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2034 2215
2035 2216
2036=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2217=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2037 2218
2038Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2219Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2091 2272
2092=item queueing from a signal handler context 2273=item queueing from a signal handler context
2093 2274
2094To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2275To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2095handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2276handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2096some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2277some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2097 2278
2098 static ev_async mysig; 2279 static ev_async mysig;
2099 2280
2100 static void 2281 static void
2101 sigusr1_handler (void) 2282 sigusr1_handler (void)
2102 { 2283 {
2103 sometype data; 2284 sometype data;
2104 2285
2105 // no locking etc. 2286 // no locking etc.
2106 queue_put (data); 2287 queue_put (data);
2107 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2288 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2108 } 2289 }
2109 2290
2110 static void 2291 static void
2111 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2292 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2112 { 2293 {
2143 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation 2324 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2144 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex); 2325 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2145 queue_put (data); 2326 queue_put (data);
2146 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex); 2327 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2147 2328
2148 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2329 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2149 } 2330 }
2150 2331
2151 static void 2332 static void
2152 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2333 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2153 { 2334 {
2175=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2356=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2176 2357
2177Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2358Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2178an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2359an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2179C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2360C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2180similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2361similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2181section below on what exactly this means). 2362section below on what exactly this means).
2182 2363
2183This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2364This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2184so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2365so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2185calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2366calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2367
2368=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2369
2370Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2371watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2372event loop.
2373
2374C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2375the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2376it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2377quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2378
2379Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2380whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2186 2381
2187=back 2382=back
2188 2383
2189 2384
2190=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2385=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2201or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2396or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2202more watchers yourself. 2397more watchers yourself.
2203 2398
2204If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2399If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2205is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2400is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2206C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2401C<events> set will be created and started.
2207 2402
2208If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2403If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2209started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2404started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2210repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2405repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2211dubious value. 2406dubious value.
2213The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2408The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2214passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2409passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2215C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2410C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2216value passed to C<ev_once>: 2411value passed to C<ev_once>:
2217 2412
2218 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2413 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2219 { 2414 {
2220 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2415 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2221 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2416 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2222 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2417 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2223 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2418 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2224 } 2419 }
2225 2420
2226 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2421 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2227 2422
2228=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2423=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2229 2424
2230Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2425Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2231had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2426had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2236Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2431Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2237the given events it. 2432the given events it.
2238 2433
2239=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2434=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2240 2435
2241Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2436Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2242loop!). 2437loop!).
2243 2438
2244=back 2439=back
2245 2440
2246 2441
2262 2457
2263=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2458=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2264will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2459will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2265is an ev_pri field. 2460is an ev_pri field.
2266 2461
2462=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2463first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2464
2267=item * Other members are not supported. 2465=item * Other members are not supported.
2268 2466
2269=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2467=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2270to use the libev header file and library. 2468to use the libev header file and library.
2271 2469
2272=back 2470=back
2273 2471
2274=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2472=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2275 2473
2276Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2474Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2277you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2475you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2278the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2476the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2279 2477
2280To use it, 2478To use it,
2281 2479
2282 #include <ev++.h> 2480 #include <ev++.h>
2283 2481
2284This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2482This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2285of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2483of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2286put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2484put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2287options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2485options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2354your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2552your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2355thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2553thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2356 2554
2357Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2555Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2358 2556
2359 struct myclass 2557 struct myclass
2360 { 2558 {
2361 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2559 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2362 } 2560 }
2363 2561
2364 myclass obj; 2562 myclass obj;
2365 ev::io iow; 2563 ev::io iow;
2366 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2564 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2367 2565
2368=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2566=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2369 2567
2370Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2568Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2371callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2569callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2375 2573
2376See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2574See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2377 2575
2378Example: 2576Example:
2379 2577
2380 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2578 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2381 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2579 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2382 2580
2383=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2581=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2384 2582
2385Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2583Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2386do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2584do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2387 2585
2388=item w->set ([args]) 2586=item w->set ([arguments])
2389 2587
2390Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2588Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2391called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2589called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2392automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2590automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2393method. 2591method.
2394 2592
2395=item w->start () 2593=item w->start ()
2419=back 2617=back
2420 2618
2421Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2619Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2422the constructor. 2620the constructor.
2423 2621
2424 class myclass 2622 class myclass
2425 { 2623 {
2426 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2624 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2427 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2625 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2428 2626
2429 myclass (int fd) 2627 myclass (int fd)
2430 { 2628 {
2431 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2629 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2432 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2630 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2433 2631
2434 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2632 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2435 } 2633 }
2436 }; 2634 };
2635
2636
2637=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2638
2639Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2640number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2641any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2642me a note.
2643
2644=over 4
2645
2646=item Perl
2647
2648The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2649libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2650there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2651to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2652C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2653
2654It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2655L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2656
2657=item Python
2658
2659Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2660seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2661patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2662for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2663libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2664libev).
2665
2666=item Ruby
2667
2668Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2669of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2670more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2671L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2672
2673=item D
2674
2675Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2676be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2677
2678=back
2437 2679
2438 2680
2439=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2681=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2440 2682
2441Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2683Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2442of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2684of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2443functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2685functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2444 2686
2445To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2687To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2446following macros are defined: 2688following macros are defined:
2451 2693
2452This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2694This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2453loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2695loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2454C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2696C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2455 2697
2456 ev_unref (EV_A); 2698 ev_unref (EV_A);
2457 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2699 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2458 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2700 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2459 2701
2460It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2702It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2461which is often provided by the following macro. 2703which is often provided by the following macro.
2462 2704
2463=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2705=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2464 2706
2465This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2707This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2466loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2708loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2467C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2709C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2468 2710
2469 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2711 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2470 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2712 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2471 2713
2472 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2714 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2473 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2715 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2474 2716
2475It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2717It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2476suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2718suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2477 2719
2478=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2720=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2479 2721
2480Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2722Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2481loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2723loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2724
2725=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2726
2727Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2728default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2729is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2730execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2731
2732It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2733watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2482 2734
2483=back 2735=back
2484 2736
2485Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2737Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2486macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2738macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2487or not. 2739or not.
2488 2740
2489 static void 2741 static void
2490 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2742 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2491 { 2743 {
2492 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2744 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2493 } 2745 }
2494 2746
2495 ev_check check; 2747 ev_check check;
2496 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2748 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2497 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2749 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2498 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2750 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2499 2751
2500=head1 EMBEDDING 2752=head1 EMBEDDING
2501 2753
2502Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2754Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2503applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2755applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2510libev somewhere in your source tree). 2762libev somewhere in your source tree).
2511 2763
2512=head2 FILESETS 2764=head2 FILESETS
2513 2765
2514Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2766Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2515in your app. 2767in your application.
2516 2768
2517=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2769=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2518 2770
2519To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2771To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2520configuration (no autoconf): 2772configuration (no autoconf):
2521 2773
2522 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2774 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2523 #include "ev.c" 2775 #include "ev.c"
2524 2776
2525This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2777This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2526single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2778single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2527it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2779it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2528done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2780done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2529where you can put other configuration options): 2781where you can put other configuration options):
2530 2782
2531 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2783 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2532 #include "ev.h" 2784 #include "ev.h"
2533 2785
2534Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2786Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2535compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2787compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2536as a bug). 2788as a bug).
2537 2789
2538You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2790You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2539in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2791in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2540 2792
2541 ev.h 2793 ev.h
2542 ev.c 2794 ev.c
2543 ev_vars.h 2795 ev_vars.h
2544 ev_wrap.h 2796 ev_wrap.h
2545 2797
2546 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2798 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2547 2799
2548 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2800 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2549 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2801 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2550 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2802 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2551 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2803 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2552 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2804 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2553 2805
2554F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2806F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2555to compile this single file. 2807to compile this single file.
2556 2808
2557=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2809=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2558 2810
2559To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2811To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2560 2812
2561 #include "event.c" 2813 #include "event.c"
2562 2814
2563in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2815in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2564 2816
2565 #include "event.h" 2817 #include "event.h"
2566 2818
2567in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2819in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2568 2820
2569You need the following additional files for this: 2821You need the following additional files for this:
2570 2822
2571 event.h 2823 event.h
2572 event.c 2824 event.c
2573 2825
2574=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2826=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2575 2827
2576Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2828Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2577whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2829whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2578F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2830F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2579include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2831include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2580 2832
2581For this of course you need the m4 file: 2833For this of course you need the m4 file:
2582 2834
2583 libev.m4 2835 libev.m4
2584 2836
2585=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2837=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2586 2838
2587Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2839Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2588before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2840define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2589and only include the select backend. 2841autoconf is noted for every option.
2590 2842
2591=over 4 2843=over 4
2592 2844
2593=item EV_STANDALONE 2845=item EV_STANDALONE
2594 2846
2599F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2851F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2600 2852
2601=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2853=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2602 2854
2603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2855If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2604monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2856monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2605of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2857of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2606usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2858usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2607the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2859the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2608to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2860to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2609function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2861function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2610 2862
2611=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2863=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2612 2864
2613If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2865If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2614realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2866real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2615runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2867runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2616be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2868be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2617(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2869(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2618note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2870note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2619 2871
2620=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2872=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2621 2873
2622If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2874If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2623and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2875and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2624 2876
2877=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2878
2879If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2880available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2881C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2882If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28832.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2884
2625=item EV_USE_SELECT 2885=item EV_USE_SELECT
2626 2886
2627If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2887If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2628C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2888C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2629other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2889other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2630will not be compiled in. 2890will not be compiled in.
2631 2891
2632=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2892=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2633 2893
2634If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2894If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2635structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2895structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2636C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2896C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2637exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2897exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2638low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2898low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2639allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2899allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2640influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2900influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2641 2901
2665 2925
2666=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2926=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2667 2927
2668If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2928If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2669C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2929C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2670otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2930otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2671preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2931backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2932headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2672 2933
2673=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2934=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2674 2935
2675If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2936If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2676C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2937C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2689otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2950otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2690backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2951backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2691 2952
2692=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2953=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2693 2954
2694reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2955Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2695 2956
2696=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2957=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2697 2958
2698If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2959If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2699interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2960interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2700be detected at runtime. 2961be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2962indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2701 2963
2702=item EV_ATOMIC_T 2964=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2703 2965
2704Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 2966Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2705access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2967access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2706type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2968type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2707that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2969that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2708as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2970as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2709 2971
2710In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2972In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2711(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2973(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2712 2974
2713=item EV_H 2975=item EV_H
2714 2976
2715The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2977The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2754When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3016When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2755all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3017all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2756and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3018and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2757fine. 3019fine.
2758 3020
2759If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3021If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2760C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3022C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2761 3023
2762=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3024=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2763 3025
2764If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3026If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2765defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3027defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2792defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3054defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2793 3055
2794=item EV_MINIMAL 3056=item EV_MINIMAL
2795 3057
2796If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3058If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2797speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3059speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2798some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3060inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3061much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2799 3062
2800=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3063=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2801 3064
2802C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3065C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2803pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3066pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2810inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3073inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2811usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3074usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2812watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3075watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2813two). 3076two).
2814 3077
3078=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3079
3080Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3081timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3082to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3083noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3084
3085The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3086(disabled).
3087
3088=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3089
3090Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3091timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3092the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3093which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3094but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3095noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3096
3097The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3098(disabled).
3099
3100=item EV_VERIFY
3101
3102Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3103be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3104in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3105called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3106called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3107verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3108libev considerably.
3109
3110The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3111C<0.>
3112
2815=item EV_COMMON 3113=item EV_COMMON
2816 3114
2817By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3115By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2818this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3116this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2819members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3117members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2820though, and it must be identical each time. 3118though, and it must be identical each time.
2821 3119
2822For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3120For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2823 3121
2824 #define EV_COMMON \ 3122 #define EV_COMMON \
2825 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3123 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2826 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3124 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2827 3125
2828=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3126=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2829 3127
2830=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3128=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2831 3129
2838avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3136avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2839method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3137method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2840 3138
2841=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3139=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2842 3140
2843If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3141If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2844exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3142exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2845all public symbols, one per line: 3143all public symbols, one per line:
2846 3144
2847 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3145 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2848 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3146 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2849 3147
2850This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3148This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2851multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3149multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2852itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3150itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2853 3151
2854A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3152A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2855include before including F<ev.h>: 3153include before including F<ev.h>:
2856 3154
2857 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3155 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2874file. 3172file.
2875 3173
2876The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3174The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2877that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3175that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2878 3176
2879 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3177 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2880 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3178 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2881 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3179 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2882 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3180 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2883 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3181 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2884 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3182 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2885 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3183 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2886 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3184 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2887 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3185 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2888 3186
2889 #include "ev++.h" 3187 #include "ev++.h"
2890 3188
2891And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3189And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2892 3190
2893 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3191 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2894 #include "ev.c" 3192 #include "ev.c"
3193
3194
3195=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3196
3197=head2 THREADS
3198
3199Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3200means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3201only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3202parameter.
3203
3204Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3205parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3206done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3207thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3208per loop).
3209
3210If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3211without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3212help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3213
3214=over 4
3215
3216=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3217in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3218
3219This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3220themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3221
3222=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3223
3224Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3225exists, but it is always a good start.
3226
3227=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3228loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3229
3230Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3231better than you currently do :-)
3232
3233=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3234event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3235threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3236
3237=back
3238
3239=head2 COROUTINES
3240
3241Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3242libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3243coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3244different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3245loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3246you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3247
3248Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3249state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3250switches.
2895 3251
2896 3252
2897=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3253=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2898 3254
2899In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3255In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2931correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3287correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2932have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3288have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2933 3289
2934=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3290=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2935 3291
2936By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3292By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2937beginning of the storage array. 3293fixed position in the storage array.
2938 3294
2939=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3295=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2940 3296
2941A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3297A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2942libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3298libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2943on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3299on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2944 3300
2945=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3301=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2946 3302
2947=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3303=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2948 3304
2955 3311
2956=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3312=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
2957 3313
2958=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3314=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
2959 3315
2960Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3316Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
2961calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3317calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2962involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3318involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2963 3319
2964=back 3320=back
2965 3321
2966 3322
2967=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3323=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2968 3324
2969Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3325Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2970requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3326requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2971model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3327model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2972the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3328the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2973descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3329descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2974e.g. cygwin. 3330e.g. cygwin.
2975 3331
3332Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3333re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3334things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3335way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3336
2976There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3337There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2977embedding it into other applications. 3338embedding it into other applications.
2978 3339
3340Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3341accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3342either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3343so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3344megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3345available).
3346
2979Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3347Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2980abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3348the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2981recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3349is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2982a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3350more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2983implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3351different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2984be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3352notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3353(Microsoft monopoly games).
3354
3355A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3356section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3357of F<ev.h>:
3358
3359 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3360 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3361
3362 #include "ev.h"
3363
3364And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3365you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3366
3367 #include "evwrap.h"
3368 #include "ev.c"
2985 3369
2986=over 4 3370=over 4
2987 3371
2988=item The winsocket select function 3372=item The winsocket select function
2989 3373
2990The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3374The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2991socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3375requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2992very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3376also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2993to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3377requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2994C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3378C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2995symbols for more info. 3379discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3380C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2996 3381
2997The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3382The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2998libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3383libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2999 3384
3000 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3385 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3001 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3386 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3002 3387
3003Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3388Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3004complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3389complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3005 3390
3006=item Limited number of file descriptors 3391=item Limited number of file descriptors
3007 3392
3008Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3393Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3009of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3394
3395Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3010(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3396of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3011C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3397can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3012chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3398recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3399previous thread in each. Great).
3013 3400
3014Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3401Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3015to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3402to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3016call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3403call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3017select emulation on windows). 3404select emulation on windows).
3018 3405
3019Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3406Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3020libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3407libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3021or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3408or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3022C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3409C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3023arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3410arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3024libraries. 3411libraries.
3025 3412
3026This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3413This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3027windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3414windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3028wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3415wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3029calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3416calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3030 3417
3031=back 3418=back
3032 3419
3033 3420
3421=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3422
3423In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3424additional extensions:
3425
3426=over 4
3427
3428=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3429calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3430
3431Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3432structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3433assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3434callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3435calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3436
3437=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3438
3439The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3440C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3441threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3442believed to be sufficiently portable.
3443
3444=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3445
3446Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3447allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3448pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3449thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3450be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3451C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3452
3453The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3454except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3455well.
3456
3457=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3458
3459To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3460internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3461non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3462is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3463millions of watchers.
3464
3465=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3466
3467The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3468have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3469enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3470implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3471
3472=back
3473
3474If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3475
3476
3477=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3478
3479Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3480lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3481scared by this.
3482
3483However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3484has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3485warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3486targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3487
3488Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3489workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3490maintainable.
3491
3492And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3493wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3494seems to warn about).
3495
3496While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3497"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3498with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3499them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3500warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3501
3502
3503=head1 VALGRIND
3504
3505Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3506highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3507
3508If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3509in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3510
3511 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3512 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3513 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3514
3515Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3516valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3517might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3518
3519If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3520with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3521a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3522no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3523properly.
3524
3525If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3526I suggest using suppression lists.
3527
3528
3034=head1 AUTHOR 3529=head1 AUTHOR
3035 3530
3036Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3531Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3037 3532

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