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Revision 1.138 by root, Mon Mar 31 01:14:12 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.175 by root, Mon Sep 8 16:36:14 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 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70 70
71Libev 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
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 74
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the 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
116called 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
117to 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
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout 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
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return 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_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: 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
174a 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
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return 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
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned 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
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 218
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
199 220
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
204potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
205function. 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.
206 230
207You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
208free 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,
209or 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.
210 234
211Example: 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
212retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
213 237
214 static void * 238 static void *
215 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
216 { 240 {
217 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
228 ... 252 ...
229 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
230 254
231=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
232 256
233Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
234as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
235indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
236callback 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
237matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
238requested 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
239(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
240 264
241Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
255=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
256 280
257An 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
258types 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
259events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
260
261If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
262in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
263create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
264whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
265threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
266done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
267 284
268=over 4 285=over 4
269 286
270=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
271 288
275flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
276 293
277If 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
278function. 295function.
279 296
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
280The 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
281C<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
282for 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
283create 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
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
286 307
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
296The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
298 319
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 321
301If 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
302or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override 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
305useful 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
306around bugs. 327around bugs.
313 334
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 341
321The 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
322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 344flag.
324 345
325This 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>
326environment variable. 347environment variable.
327 348
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 350
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
332but 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
333using 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
334usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 356
336To 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
337parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
338writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
339connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
340a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
342 363
343=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)
344 365
345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
354For 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,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases 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
360support for dup. 381support for dup.
361 382
362While 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
363will 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
364(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
365best 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
366very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
367 388
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
371 392
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers 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.
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
375 396
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
378 399
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 401
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
382was 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
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
386C<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)
387system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
388 409
389You 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
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 413
393It 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
394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
396cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
397two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399 420
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 422
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 438
418This 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,
419it'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)).
420 441
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
422notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 445
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better. 449might perform better.
429 450
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
433 454
434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
435 456
439 460
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 462
442=back 463=back
443 464
444If 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
445backends 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
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 468
448The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
449 470
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 473
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
455 476
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 478
458Use 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
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
460event 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):
461 482
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 484
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 486
466Similar 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
467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
468handle 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
469undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
470 491
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
471Example: 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.
472 497
473 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
474 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
475 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
476 501
477=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
478 503
479Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
480etc.). 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
481sense, 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
482responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
483calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
484the 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
485for example). 510for example).
486 511
487Note 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
568A 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
569those 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
570case 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.
571 596
572A 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
573neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
574your 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
575one 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
576external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
577libev 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
578usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
579 604
580Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
581 606
582 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
583 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
584 - 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.
585 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
586 - 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.
587 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
588 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
589 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
590 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
591 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
592 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
593 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
594 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
595 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
596 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
597 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
598 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
599 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
600 - 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).
601 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
602 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
603 - 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
608anymore. 634anymore.
609 635
610 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
611 ... 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..)
612 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
613 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
614 640
615=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
616 642
617Can 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
618has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
639respectively). 665respectively).
640 666
641Example: 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>
642running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
643 669
644 struct ev_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
645 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
646 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
647 evf_unref (loop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
648 674
649Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
650 676
651 ev_ref (loop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
652 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
653 679
654=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
655 681
656=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
657 683
658These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
659for 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
660invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
661 688
662Setting 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>)
663allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
664increase efficiency of loop iterations. 691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
665 693
666The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
667handle 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
668the 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
669events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
679to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
680latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
681will 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
682any overhead in libev. 710any overhead in libev.
683 711
684Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
685interval 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
686interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 714interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
687usually 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>,
688as 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.
689 735
690=back 736=back
691 737
692 738
693=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
694 740
695A 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
696interest 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
697become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
698 744
699 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)
700 { 746 {
701 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
702 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
703 } 749 }
704 750
705 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
706 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
707 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
708 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
709 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
710 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
711 757
712As 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
713watcher 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,
714although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
715 761
716Each 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
717(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
718callback 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
719watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
720is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
721 767
722Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
723with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
799 845
800The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
801 847
802=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
803 849
804An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
805happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
806ran 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
807problem. 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
808with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
809 855
810Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
811for 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
812your 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
813with 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
814programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
815 861
816=back 862=back
817 863
818=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
848Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
849(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.
850 896
851=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
852 898
853This 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
854calls 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
855a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
856 902
857=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
858 904
859Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
942to 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
943don'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
944member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
945data: 991data:
946 992
947 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
948 { 994 {
949 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
950 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
951 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
952 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
953 } 999 }
954 1000
955And 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
956can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
957 1003
958 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)
959 { 1005 {
960 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
961 ... 1007 ...
962 } 1008 }
963 1009
964More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
965instead have been omitted. 1011instead have been omitted.
966 1012
967Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
968watchers: 1014watchers:
969 1015
970 struct my_biggy 1016 struct my_biggy
971 { 1017 {
972 int some_data; 1018 int some_data;
973 ev_timer t1; 1019 ev_timer t1;
974 ev_timer t2; 1020 ev_timer t2;
975 } 1021 }
976 1022
977In 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,
978you need to use C<offsetof>: 1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
979 1025
980 #include <stddef.h> 1026 #include <stddef.h>
981 1027
982 static void 1028 static void
983 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
984 { 1030 {
985 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
986 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
987 } 1033 }
988 1034
989 static void 1035 static void
990 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
991 { 1037 {
992 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
993 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
994 } 1040 }
995 1041
996 1042
997=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
998 1044
999This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1028If 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
1029(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
1030C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1031 1077
1032Another 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
1033receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1034be 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
1035because 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
1036lot 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
1037this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1038it 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
1039C<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.
1040 1086
1041If 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
1042play 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
1043whether 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
1044such 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
1045its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
1046 1092
1047=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1088C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1089 1135
1090=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1091 1137
1092While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1093when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1139when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1094gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1140send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1095programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1141this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1096undesirable.
1097 1142
1098So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1143So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1099ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1144ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1100somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1145somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1101 1146
1107=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1152=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1108 1153
1109=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1154=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1110 1155
1111Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1156Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1112rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1157receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1113C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1158C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1114 1159
1115=item int fd [read-only] 1160=item int fd [read-only]
1116 1161
1117The file descriptor being watched. 1162The file descriptor being watched.
1126 1171
1127Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1172Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1128readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1173readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1129attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1174attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1130 1175
1131 static void 1176 static void
1132 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1177 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1133 { 1178 {
1134 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1179 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1135 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1180 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1136 } 1181 }
1137 1182
1138 ... 1183 ...
1139 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1184 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1140 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1185 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1141 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1186 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1142 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1187 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1143 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1188 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1144 1189
1145 1190
1146=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1191=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1147 1192
1148Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1193Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1149given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1194given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1150 1195
1151The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1196The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1152times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1197times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1153time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1198year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1154detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1199detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1155monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1200monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1201
1202The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1203but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1204order of execution is undefined.
1205
1206=head3 The special problem of time updates
1207
1208Requesting the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1209least two syscalls): EV therefore updates it's idea of the current time
1210only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes the
1211difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()>.
1156 1212
1157The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1213The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1158time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1214time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1159of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1215of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1160you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1216you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1161on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1217timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1162 1218
1163 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1219 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1164 1220
1165The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
1166but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1167order of execution is undefined.
1168
1169=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1221=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1170 1222
1171=over 4 1223=over 4
1172 1224
1173=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1225=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1174 1226
1175=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1227=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1176 1228
1177Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1229Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1178C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1230is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1179timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1231reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1180later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1232configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1233until stopped manually.
1181 1234
1182The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1235The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1183configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1236you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1184exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1237trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1185the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1238keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1186timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1239do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1187 1240
1188=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1241=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1189 1242
1190This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1243This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1191repeating. The exact semantics are: 1244repeating. The exact semantics are:
1192 1245
1193If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1246If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1194 1247
1195If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1248If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1196 1249
1197If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1250If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1198C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1251C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1199 1252
1200This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1253This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1201example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1254example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1202timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1255timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1203seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1256seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1204configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1257configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1205C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1258C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1206you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1259you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1232 1285
1233=head3 Examples 1286=head3 Examples
1234 1287
1235Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1288Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1236 1289
1237 static void 1290 static void
1238 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1291 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1239 { 1292 {
1240 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1293 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1241 } 1294 }
1242 1295
1243 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1296 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1244 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1297 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1245 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1298 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1246 1299
1247Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1300Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1248inactivity. 1301inactivity.
1249 1302
1250 static void 1303 static void
1251 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1304 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1252 { 1305 {
1253 .. ten seconds without any activity 1306 .. ten seconds without any activity
1254 } 1307 }
1255 1308
1256 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1309 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1257 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1310 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1258 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1311 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1259 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1312 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1260 1313
1261 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1314 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1262 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1315 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1263 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1316 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1264 1317
1265 1318
1266=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1319=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1267 1320
1268Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1321Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1269(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1322(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1270 1323
1271Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1324Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1272but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1325but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1273to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1326to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1274periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1327periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1275+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1328+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1329clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1276take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1330to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1277roughly 10 seconds later). 1331roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1278 1332
1279They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1333C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1280triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1334such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1281rules. 1335complicated, rules.
1282 1336
1283As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1337As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1284time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1338time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1285during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1339during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1286 1340
1287=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1341=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1288 1342
1289=over 4 1343=over 4
1297 1351
1298=over 4 1352=over 4
1299 1353
1300=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1354=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1301 1355
1302In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1356In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1303C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1357time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1304that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1358jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1305system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1359run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1306 1360
1307=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1361=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1308 1362
1309In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1363In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1310C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1364C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1311and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1365and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1312 1366
1313This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1367This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1314time: 1368time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1369the hour:
1315 1370
1316 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1371 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1317 1372
1318This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1373This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1319but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1374but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1320full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1375full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1321by 3600. 1376by 3600.
1322 1377
1323Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1378Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1324C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1379C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1325time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1380time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1326 1381
1327For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1382For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1328C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1383C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1329this value. 1384this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1385
1386Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1387speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1388will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1389millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1330 1390
1331=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1391=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1332 1392
1333In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1393In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1334ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1394ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1335reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1395reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1336current time as second argument. 1396current time as second argument.
1337 1397
1338NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1398NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1339ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1399ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1340return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1341starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1342 1400
1401If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1402it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1403only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1404
1343Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1405The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1344ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1406*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1345 1407
1346 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1408 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1347 { 1409 {
1348 return now + 60.; 1410 return now + 60.;
1349 } 1411 }
1351It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1413It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1352(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1414(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1353will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1415will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1354might be called at other times, too. 1416might be called at other times, too.
1355 1417
1356NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1418NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1357passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1419equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1358 1420
1359This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1421This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1360triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1422triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1361next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1423next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1362you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1424you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1363reason I omitted it as an example). 1425reason I omitted it as an example).
1364 1426
1365=back 1427=back
1369Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1431Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1370when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1432when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1371a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1433a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1372program when the crontabs have changed). 1434program when the crontabs have changed).
1373 1435
1436=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1437
1438When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1439trigger next.
1440
1374=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1441=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1375 1442
1376When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1443When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1377absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1444absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1378 1445
1389 1456
1390The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1457The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1391switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1458switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1392the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1459the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1393 1460
1394=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1395
1396When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1397trigger next.
1398
1399=back 1461=back
1400 1462
1401=head3 Examples 1463=head3 Examples
1402 1464
1403Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1465Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1404system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1466system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1405potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1467potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1406 1468
1407 static void 1469 static void
1408 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1470 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1409 { 1471 {
1410 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1472 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1411 } 1473 }
1412 1474
1413 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1475 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1414 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1476 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1415 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1477 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1416 1478
1417Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1479Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1418 1480
1419 #include <math.h> 1481 #include <math.h>
1420 1482
1421 static ev_tstamp 1483 static ev_tstamp
1422 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1484 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1423 { 1485 {
1424 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1486 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1425 } 1487 }
1426 1488
1427 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1489 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1428 1490
1429Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1491Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1430 1492
1431 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1493 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1432 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1494 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1433 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1495 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1434 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1496 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1435 1497
1436 1498
1437=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1499=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1438 1500
1439Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1501Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1447as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1509as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1448watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1510watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1449SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1511SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1450 1512
1451If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1513If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1452C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1514C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1453interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1515interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1454signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1516signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1455them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1517them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1456 1518
1457=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1519=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1458 1520
1473 1535
1474=head3 Examples 1536=head3 Examples
1475 1537
1476Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1538Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1477 1539
1478 static void 1540 static void
1479 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1541 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1480 { 1542 {
1481 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1543 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1482 } 1544 }
1483 1545
1484 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1546 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1485 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1547 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1486 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1548 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1487 1549
1488 1550
1489=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1551=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1490 1552
1491Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1553Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1493is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1555is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1494forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1556forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1495loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1557loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1496 1558
1497Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1559Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1498you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1560you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1499 1561
1500=head3 Process Interaction 1562=head3 Process Interaction
1501 1563
1502Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1564Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1503initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1565initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1504the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1566the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1505of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1567of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1506synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1568synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1507children, even ones not watched. 1569children, even ones not watched.
1508 1570
1509=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1571=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1513handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1575handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1514C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1576C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1515default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1577default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1516event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1578event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1517that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1579that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1580
1581=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1582
1583Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1584child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1585callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1586when a child exit is detected.
1518 1587
1519=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1588=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1520 1589
1521=over 4 1590=over 4
1522 1591
1551=head3 Examples 1620=head3 Examples
1552 1621
1553Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1622Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1554its completion. 1623its completion.
1555 1624
1556 ev_child cw; 1625 ev_child cw;
1557 1626
1558 static void 1627 static void
1559 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1628 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1560 { 1629 {
1561 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1630 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1562 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1631 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1563 } 1632 }
1564 1633
1565 pid_t pid = fork (); 1634 pid_t pid = fork ();
1566 1635
1567 if (pid < 0) 1636 if (pid < 0)
1568 // error 1637 // error
1569 else if (pid == 0) 1638 else if (pid == 0)
1570 { 1639 {
1571 // the forked child executes here 1640 // the forked child executes here
1572 exit (1); 1641 exit (1);
1573 } 1642 }
1574 else 1643 else
1575 { 1644 {
1576 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1645 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1577 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1646 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1578 } 1647 }
1579 1648
1580 1649
1581=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1650=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1582 1651
1583This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1652This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1584C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1653C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1585compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1654compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1586 1655
1587The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1656The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1588not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1657not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1606as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1675as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1607resource-intensive. 1676resource-intensive.
1608 1677
1609At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1678At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1610implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1679implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1680reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1611reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1681semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1612semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1682not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1613to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1683sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1614usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1684but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1615polling. 1685will be no polling.
1616 1686
1617=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1687=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1618 1688
1619Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1689Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1620compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1690compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1621disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1691support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1622structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1692structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1623use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1693use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1624compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1694compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1625obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1695obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1626most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1696most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1697
1698The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1699file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1700optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1701to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1702default compilation environment.
1627 1703
1628=head3 Inotify 1704=head3 Inotify
1629 1705
1630When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1706When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1631available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1707available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1632change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1708change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1633when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1709when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1634 1710
1635Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1711Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1636except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1712except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1637making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1713making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1638there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1714there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1639 1715
1640(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1716(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1641implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1717implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1642descriptor open on the object at all times). 1718descriptor open on the object at all times).
1643 1719
1644=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1720=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1645 1721
1646The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1722The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1647even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1723even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1648only support whole seconds. 1724only support whole seconds.
1649 1725
1650That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1726That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1651miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1727easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1652your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1728calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1653the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1729within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1730data does not change.
1654 1731
1655The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1732The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1656the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1733than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1657(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1734a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1658is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1735ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1659systems. 1736
1737The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1738of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1739might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1740C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1741a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1742update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1743the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1744the timer callback).
1660 1745
1661=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1662 1747
1663=over 4 1748=over 4
1664 1749
1670C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1755C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1671be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1756be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1672a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1757a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1673path for as long as the watcher is active. 1758path for as long as the watcher is active.
1674 1759
1675The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1760The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1676relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1761to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1677last change was detected). 1762was detected).
1678 1763
1679=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1764=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1680 1765
1681Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1766Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1682watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1767watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1683detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1768detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1684useful simply to find out the new values. 1769the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1770new values.
1685 1771
1686=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1772=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1687 1773
1688The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1774The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1689C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1775C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1690suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1776suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1777members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1691was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1778some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1692 1779
1693=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1780=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1694 1781
1695The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1782The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1696C<prev> != C<attr>. 1783C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1784differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1785C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1697 1786
1698=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1787=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1699 1788
1700The specified interval. 1789The specified interval.
1701 1790
1702=item const char *path [read-only] 1791=item const char *path [read-only]
1703 1792
1704The filesystem path that is being watched. 1793The file system path that is being watched.
1705 1794
1706=back 1795=back
1707 1796
1708=head3 Examples 1797=head3 Examples
1709 1798
1710Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1799Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1711 1800
1712 static void 1801 static void
1713 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1802 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1714 { 1803 {
1715 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1804 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1716 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1805 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1717 { 1806 {
1718 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1807 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1719 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1808 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1720 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1809 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1721 } 1810 }
1722 else 1811 else
1723 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1812 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1724 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1813 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1725 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1814 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1726 } 1815 }
1727 1816
1728 ... 1817 ...
1729 ev_stat passwd; 1818 ev_stat passwd;
1730 1819
1731 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1820 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1732 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1821 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1733 1822
1734Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1823Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1735miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1824miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1736one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1825one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1737C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1826C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1738 1827
1739 static ev_stat passwd; 1828 static ev_stat passwd;
1740 static ev_timer timer; 1829 static ev_timer timer;
1741 1830
1742 static void 1831 static void
1743 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1832 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1744 { 1833 {
1745 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1834 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1746 1835
1747 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1836 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1748 } 1837 }
1749 1838
1750 static void 1839 static void
1751 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1840 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1752 { 1841 {
1753 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1842 /* reset the one-second timer */
1754 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1843 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1755 } 1844 }
1756 1845
1757 ... 1846 ...
1758 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1847 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1759 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1848 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1760 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1849 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1761 1850
1762 1851
1763=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1852=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1764 1853
1765Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1854Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1796=head3 Examples 1885=head3 Examples
1797 1886
1798Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1887Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1799callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1888callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1800 1889
1801 static void 1890 static void
1802 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1891 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1803 { 1892 {
1804 free (w); 1893 free (w);
1805 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1894 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1806 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1895 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1807 } 1896 }
1808 1897
1809 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1898 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1810 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1899 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1811 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1900 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1812 1901
1813 1902
1814=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1903=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1815 1904
1816Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1905Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1835 1924
1836This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1925This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1837to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1926to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1838them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1927them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1839provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1928provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1840any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1929any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1841and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1930and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1842callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1931callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1843because you never know, you know?). 1932because you never know, you know?).
1844 1933
1845As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1934As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1853 1942
1854It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1943It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1855priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1944priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1856after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1945after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1857too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1946too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1858supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1947supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1859did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1948did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1860(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1949(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1861state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1950state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1862coexist peacefully with others). 1951coexist peacefully with others).
1863 1952
1878=head3 Examples 1967=head3 Examples
1879 1968
1880There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1969There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1881into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1970into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1882(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1971(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1883use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1972use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1884embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1973Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1885into the Glib event loop). 1974Glib event loop).
1886 1975
1887Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1976Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1888and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1977and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1889is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1978is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1890priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1979priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1891the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1980the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1892 1981
1893 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1982 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1894 static ev_timer tw; 1983 static ev_timer tw;
1895 1984
1896 static void 1985 static void
1897 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1986 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1898 { 1987 {
1899 } 1988 }
1900 1989
1901 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1990 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1902 static void 1991 static void
1903 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1992 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1904 { 1993 {
1905 int timeout = 3600000; 1994 int timeout = 3600000;
1906 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1995 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1907 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1996 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1908 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1997 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1909 1998
1910 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1999 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1911 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2000 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1912 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2001 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1913 2002
1914 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2003 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1915 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2004 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1916 { 2005 {
1917 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2006 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1918 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2007 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1919 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2008 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1920 2009
1921 fds [i].revents = 0; 2010 fds [i].revents = 0;
1922 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2011 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1923 } 2012 }
1924 } 2013 }
1925 2014
1926 // stop all watchers after blocking 2015 // stop all watchers after blocking
1927 static void 2016 static void
1928 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2017 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1929 { 2018 {
1930 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2019 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1931 2020
1932 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2021 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1933 { 2022 {
1934 // set the relevant poll flags 2023 // set the relevant poll flags
1935 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2024 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1936 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2025 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1937 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2026 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1938 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2027 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1939 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2028 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1940 2029
1941 // now stop the watcher 2030 // now stop the watcher
1942 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2031 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1943 } 2032 }
1944 2033
1945 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2034 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1946 } 2035 }
1947 2036
1948Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2037Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1949in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2038in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1950 2039
1951Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2040Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1952notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2041notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1953callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2042callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1954 2043
1955 static void 2044 static void
1956 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2045 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1957 { 2046 {
1958 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2047 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1959 update_now (EV_A); 2048 update_now (EV_A);
1960 2049
1961 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2050 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1962 } 2051 }
1963 2052
1964 static void 2053 static void
1965 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2054 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1966 { 2055 {
1967 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2056 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1968 update_now (EV_A); 2057 update_now (EV_A);
1969 2058
1970 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2059 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1971 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2060 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1972 } 2061 }
1973 2062
1974 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2063 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1975 2064
1976Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2065Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1977want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2066want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1978their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2067their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1979loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2068loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1980this. 2069this.
1981 2070
1982 static gint 2071 static gint
1983 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2072 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1984 { 2073 {
1985 int got_events = 0; 2074 int got_events = 0;
1986 2075
1987 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2076 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1988 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2077 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1989 2078
1990 if (timeout >= 0) 2079 if (timeout >= 0)
1991 // create/start timer 2080 // create/start timer
1992 2081
1993 // poll 2082 // poll
1994 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2083 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1995 2084
1996 // stop timer again 2085 // stop timer again
1997 if (timeout >= 0) 2086 if (timeout >= 0)
1998 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2087 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1999 2088
2000 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2089 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2001 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2090 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2002 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2091 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2003 2092
2004 return got_events; 2093 return got_events;
2005 } 2094 }
2006 2095
2007 2096
2008=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2097=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2009 2098
2010This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2099This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2066 2155
2067Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2156Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2068embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2157embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2069invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2158invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2070to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2159to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2071if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2160if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2072 2161
2073=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2162=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2074 2163
2075Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2164Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2076similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2165similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2077apropriate way for embedded loops. 2166appropriate way for embedded loops.
2078 2167
2079=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2168=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2080 2169
2081The embedded event loop. 2170The embedded event loop.
2082 2171
2084 2173
2085=head3 Examples 2174=head3 Examples
2086 2175
2087Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2176Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2088event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2177event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2089loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2178loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2090C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2179C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2091used). 2180used).
2092 2181
2093 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2182 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2094 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2183 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2095 struct ev_embed embed; 2184 struct ev_embed embed;
2096 2185
2097 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2186 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2098 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2187 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2099 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2188 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2100 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2189 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2101 : 0; 2190 : 0;
2102 2191
2103 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2192 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2104 if (loop_lo) 2193 if (loop_lo)
2105 { 2194 {
2106 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2195 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2107 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2196 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2108 } 2197 }
2109 else 2198 else
2110 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2199 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2111 2200
2112Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2201Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2113a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2202a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2114kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2203kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2115C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2204C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2116 2205
2117 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2206 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2118 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2207 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2119 struct ev_embed embed; 2208 struct ev_embed embed;
2120 2209
2121 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2210 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2122 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2211 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2123 { 2212 {
2124 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2213 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2125 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2214 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2126 } 2215 }
2127 2216
2128 if (!loop_socket) 2217 if (!loop_socket)
2129 loop_socket = loop; 2218 loop_socket = loop;
2130 2219
2131 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2220 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2132 2221
2133 2222
2134=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2223=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2135 2224
2136Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2225Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2189 2278
2190=item queueing from a signal handler context 2279=item queueing from a signal handler context
2191 2280
2192To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2281To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2193handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2282handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2194some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2283some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2195 2284
2196 static ev_async mysig; 2285 static ev_async mysig;
2197 2286
2198 static void 2287 static void
2199 sigusr1_handler (void) 2288 sigusr1_handler (void)
2273=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2362=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2274 2363
2275Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2364Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2276an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2365an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2277C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2366C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2278similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2367similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2279section below on what exactly this means). 2368section below on what exactly this means).
2280 2369
2281This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2370This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2282so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2371so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2283calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2372calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2373
2374=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2375
2376Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2377watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2378event loop.
2379
2380C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2381the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2382it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2383quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2384
2385Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2386whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2284 2387
2285=back 2388=back
2286 2389
2287 2390
2288=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2391=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2299or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2402or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2300more watchers yourself. 2403more watchers yourself.
2301 2404
2302If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2405If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2303is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2406is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2304C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2407C<events> set will be created and started.
2305 2408
2306If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2409If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2307started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2410started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2308repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2411repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2309dubious value. 2412dubious value.
2311The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2414The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2312passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2415passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2313C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2416C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2314value passed to C<ev_once>: 2417value passed to C<ev_once>:
2315 2418
2316 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2419 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2317 { 2420 {
2318 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2421 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2319 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2422 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2320 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2423 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2321 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2424 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2322 } 2425 }
2323 2426
2324 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2427 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2325 2428
2326=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2429=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2327 2430
2328Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2431Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2329had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2432had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2334Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2437Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2335the given events it. 2438the given events it.
2336 2439
2337=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2440=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2338 2441
2339Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2442Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2340loop!). 2443loop!).
2341 2444
2342=back 2445=back
2343 2446
2344 2447
2360 2463
2361=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2464=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2362will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2465will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2363is an ev_pri field. 2466is an ev_pri field.
2364 2467
2468=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2469first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2470
2365=item * Other members are not supported. 2471=item * Other members are not supported.
2366 2472
2367=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2473=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2368to use the libev header file and library. 2474to use the libev header file and library.
2369 2475
2370=back 2476=back
2371 2477
2372=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2478=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2373 2479
2374Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2480Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2375you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2481you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2376the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2482the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2377 2483
2378To use it, 2484To use it,
2379 2485
2380 #include <ev++.h> 2486 #include <ev++.h>
2381 2487
2382This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2488This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2383of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2489of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2384put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2490put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2385options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2491options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2452your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2558your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2453thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2559thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2454 2560
2455Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2561Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2456 2562
2457 struct myclass 2563 struct myclass
2458 { 2564 {
2459 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2565 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2460 } 2566 }
2461 2567
2462 myclass obj; 2568 myclass obj;
2463 ev::io iow; 2569 ev::io iow;
2464 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2570 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2465 2571
2466=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2572=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2467 2573
2468Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2574Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2469callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2575callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2473 2579
2474See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2580See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2475 2581
2476Example: 2582Example:
2477 2583
2478 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2584 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2479 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2585 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2480 2586
2481=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2587=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2482 2588
2483Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2589Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2484do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2590do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2485 2591
2486=item w->set ([args]) 2592=item w->set ([arguments])
2487 2593
2488Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2594Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2489called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2595called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2490automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2596automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2491method. 2597method.
2492 2598
2493=item w->start () 2599=item w->start ()
2517=back 2623=back
2518 2624
2519Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2625Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2520the constructor. 2626the constructor.
2521 2627
2522 class myclass 2628 class myclass
2523 { 2629 {
2524 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2630 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2525 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2631 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2526 2632
2527 myclass (int fd) 2633 myclass (int fd)
2528 { 2634 {
2529 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2635 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2530 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2636 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2531 2637
2532 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2638 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2533 } 2639 }
2534 }; 2640 };
2535 2641
2536 2642
2537=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2643=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2538 2644
2539Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2645Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2540numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2646number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2541any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2647any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2542me a note. 2648me a note.
2543 2649
2544=over 4 2650=over 4
2545 2651
2549libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2655libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2550there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2656there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2551to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2657to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2552C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2658C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2553 2659
2554It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2660It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2555L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2661L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2556 2662
2663=item Python
2664
2665Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2666seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2667patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2668for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2669libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2670libev).
2671
2557=item Ruby 2672=item Ruby
2558 2673
2559Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2674Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2560of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2675of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2561more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2676more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2562L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2677L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2563 2678
2564=item D 2679=item D
2565 2680
2566Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2681Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2567be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2682be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2568 2683
2569=back 2684=back
2570 2685
2571 2686
2572=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2687=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2573 2688
2574Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2689Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2575of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2690of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2576functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2691functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2577 2692
2578To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2693To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2579following macros are defined: 2694following macros are defined:
2584 2699
2585This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2700This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2586loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2701loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2587C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2702C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2588 2703
2589 ev_unref (EV_A); 2704 ev_unref (EV_A);
2590 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2705 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2591 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2706 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2592 2707
2593It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2708It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2594which is often provided by the following macro. 2709which is often provided by the following macro.
2595 2710
2596=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2711=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2597 2712
2598This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2713This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2599loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2714loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2600C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2715C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2601 2716
2602 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2717 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2603 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2718 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2604 2719
2605 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2720 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2606 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2721 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2607 2722
2608It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2723It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2609suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2724suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2610 2725
2611=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2726=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2612 2727
2613Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2728Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2614loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2729loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2730
2731=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2732
2733Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2734default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2735is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2736execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2737
2738It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2739watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2615 2740
2616=back 2741=back
2617 2742
2618Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2743Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2619macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2744macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2620or not. 2745or not.
2621 2746
2622 static void 2747 static void
2623 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2748 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2624 { 2749 {
2625 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2750 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2626 } 2751 }
2627 2752
2628 ev_check check; 2753 ev_check check;
2629 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2754 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2630 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2755 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2631 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2756 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2632 2757
2633=head1 EMBEDDING 2758=head1 EMBEDDING
2634 2759
2635Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2760Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2636applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2761applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2643libev somewhere in your source tree). 2768libev somewhere in your source tree).
2644 2769
2645=head2 FILESETS 2770=head2 FILESETS
2646 2771
2647Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2772Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2648in your app. 2773in your application.
2649 2774
2650=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2775=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2651 2776
2652To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2777To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2653configuration (no autoconf): 2778configuration (no autoconf):
2654 2779
2655 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2780 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2656 #include "ev.c" 2781 #include "ev.c"
2657 2782
2658This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2783This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2659single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2784single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2660it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2785it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2661done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2786done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2662where you can put other configuration options): 2787where you can put other configuration options):
2663 2788
2664 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2789 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2665 #include "ev.h" 2790 #include "ev.h"
2666 2791
2667Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2792Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2668compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2793compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2669as a bug). 2794as a bug).
2670 2795
2671You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2796You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2672in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2797in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2673 2798
2674 ev.h 2799 ev.h
2675 ev.c 2800 ev.c
2676 ev_vars.h 2801 ev_vars.h
2677 ev_wrap.h 2802 ev_wrap.h
2678 2803
2679 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2804 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2680 2805
2681 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2806 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2682 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2807 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2683 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2808 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2684 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2809 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2685 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2810 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2686 2811
2687F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2812F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2688to compile this single file. 2813to compile this single file.
2689 2814
2690=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2815=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2691 2816
2692To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2817To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2693 2818
2694 #include "event.c" 2819 #include "event.c"
2695 2820
2696in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2821in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2697 2822
2698 #include "event.h" 2823 #include "event.h"
2699 2824
2700in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2825in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2701 2826
2702You need the following additional files for this: 2827You need the following additional files for this:
2703 2828
2704 event.h 2829 event.h
2705 event.c 2830 event.c
2706 2831
2707=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2832=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2708 2833
2709Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2834Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2710whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2835whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2711F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2836F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2712include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2837include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2713 2838
2714For this of course you need the m4 file: 2839For this of course you need the m4 file:
2715 2840
2716 libev.m4 2841 libev.m4
2717 2842
2718=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2843=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2719 2844
2720Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2845Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2721before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2846define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2722and only include the select backend. 2847autoconf is noted for every option.
2723 2848
2724=over 4 2849=over 4
2725 2850
2726=item EV_STANDALONE 2851=item EV_STANDALONE
2727 2852
2732F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2857F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2733 2858
2734=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2859=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2735 2860
2736If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2861If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2737monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2862monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2738of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2863of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2739usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2864usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2740the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2865the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2741to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2866to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2742function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2867function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2743 2868
2744=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2869=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2745 2870
2746If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2871If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2747realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2872real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2748runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2873runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2749be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2874be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2750(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2875(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2751note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2876note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2752 2877
2753=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2878=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2754 2879
2755If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2880If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2756and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2881and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2757 2882
2883=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2884
2885If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2886available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2887C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2888If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28892.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2890
2758=item EV_USE_SELECT 2891=item EV_USE_SELECT
2759 2892
2760If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2761C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2894C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2762other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2895other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2763will not be compiled in. 2896will not be compiled in.
2764 2897
2765=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2898=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2766 2899
2767If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2900If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2768structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2901structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2769C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2902C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2770exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2903exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2771low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2904low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2772allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2905allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2773influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2906influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2774 2907
2798 2931
2799=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2932=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2800 2933
2801If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2934If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2802C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2935C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2803otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2936otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2804preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2937backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2938headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2805 2939
2806=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2940=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2807 2941
2808If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2942If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2809C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2943C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2822otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2956otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2823backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2957backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2824 2958
2825=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2959=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2826 2960
2827reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2961Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2828 2962
2829=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2963=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2830 2964
2831If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2965If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2832interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2966interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2833be detected at runtime. 2967be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2968indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2834 2969
2835=item EV_ATOMIC_T 2970=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2836 2971
2837Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 2972Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2838access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2973access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2839type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2974type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2840that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2975that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2841as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2976as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2842 2977
2843In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2978In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2844(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2979(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2845 2980
2846=item EV_H 2981=item EV_H
2847 2982
2848The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2983The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2887When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3022When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2888all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3023all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2889and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3024and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2890fine. 3025fine.
2891 3026
2892If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3027If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2893C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3028C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2894 3029
2895=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3030=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2896 3031
2897If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3032If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2898defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3033defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2925defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3060defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2926 3061
2927=item EV_MINIMAL 3062=item EV_MINIMAL
2928 3063
2929If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3064If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2930speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3065speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2931some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3066inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3067much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2932 3068
2933=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3069=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2934 3070
2935C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3071C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2936pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3072pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2943inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3079inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2944usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3080usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2945watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3081watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2946two). 3082two).
2947 3083
3084=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3085
3086Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3087timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3088to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3089noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3090
3091The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3092(disabled).
3093
3094=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3095
3096Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3097timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3098the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3099which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3100but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3101noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3102
3103The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3104(disabled).
3105
3106=item EV_VERIFY
3107
3108Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3109be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3110in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3111called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3112called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3113verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3114libev considerably.
3115
3116The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3117C<0.>
3118
2948=item EV_COMMON 3119=item EV_COMMON
2949 3120
2950By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3121By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2951this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3122this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2952members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3123members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2953though, and it must be identical each time. 3124though, and it must be identical each time.
2954 3125
2955For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3126For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2956 3127
2957 #define EV_COMMON \ 3128 #define EV_COMMON \
2958 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3129 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2959 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3130 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2960 3131
2961=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3132=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2962 3133
2963=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3134=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2964 3135
2971avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3142avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2972method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3143method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2973 3144
2974=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3145=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2975 3146
2976If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3147If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2977exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3148exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2978all public symbols, one per line: 3149all public symbols, one per line:
2979 3150
2980 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3151 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2981 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3152 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2982 3153
2983This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3154This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2984multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3155multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2985itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3156itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2986 3157
2987A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3158A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2988include before including F<ev.h>: 3159include before including F<ev.h>:
2989 3160
2990 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3161 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3007file. 3178file.
3008 3179
3009The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3180The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3010that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3181that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3011 3182
3012 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3183 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3013 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3184 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3014 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3185 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3015 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3186 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3016 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3187 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3017 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3188 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3018 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3189 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3019 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3190 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3020 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3191 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3021 3192
3022 #include "ev++.h" 3193 #include "ev++.h"
3023 3194
3024And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3195And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3025 3196
3026 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3197 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3027 #include "ev.c" 3198 #include "ev.c"
3199
3200
3201=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3202
3203=head2 THREADS
3204
3205Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3206means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3207only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3208parameter.
3209
3210Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3211parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3212done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3213thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3214per loop).
3215
3216If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3217without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3218help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3219
3220=over 4
3221
3222=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3223in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3224
3225This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3226themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3227
3228=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3229
3230Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3231exists, but it is always a good start.
3232
3233=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3234loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3235
3236Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3237better than you currently do :-)
3238
3239=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3240event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3241threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3242
3243=back
3244
3245=head2 COROUTINES
3246
3247Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3248libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3249coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3250different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3251loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3252you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3253
3254Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3255state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3256switches.
3028 3257
3029 3258
3030=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3259=head1 COMPLEXITIES
3031 3260
3032In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3261In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3064correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3293correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3065have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3294have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3066 3295
3067=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3296=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3068 3297
3069By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3298By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3070beginning of the storage array. 3299fixed position in the storage array.
3071 3300
3072=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3301=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3073 3302
3074A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3303A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3075libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3304libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3076on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3305on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3077 3306
3078=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3307=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3079 3308
3080=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3309=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3081 3310
3088 3317
3089=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3318=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3090 3319
3091=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3320=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3092 3321
3093Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3322Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3094calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3323calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3095involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3324involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3096 3325
3097=back 3326=back
3098 3327
3099 3328
3100=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3329=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3101 3330
3102Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3331Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3103requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3332requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3104model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3333model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3105the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3334the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3106descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3335descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3107e.g. cygwin. 3336e.g. cygwin.
3108 3337
3338Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3339re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3340things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3341way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3342
3109There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3343There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3110embedding it into other applications. 3344embedding it into other applications.
3111 3345
3346Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3347accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3348either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3349so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3350megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3351available).
3352
3112Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3353Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3113abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3354the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3114recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3355is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3115a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3356more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3116implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3357different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3117be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3358notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3359(Microsoft monopoly games).
3360
3361A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3362section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3363of F<ev.h>:
3364
3365 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3366 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3367
3368 #include "ev.h"
3369
3370And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3371you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3372
3373 #include "evwrap.h"
3374 #include "ev.c"
3118 3375
3119=over 4 3376=over 4
3120 3377
3121=item The winsocket select function 3378=item The winsocket select function
3122 3379
3123The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3380The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3124socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3381requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3125very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3382also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3126to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3383requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3127C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3384C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3128symbols for more info. 3385discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3386C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3129 3387
3130The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3388The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3131libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3389libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3132 3390
3133 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3391 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3134 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3392 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3135 3393
3136Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3394Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3137complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3395complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3138 3396
3139=item Limited number of file descriptors 3397=item Limited number of file descriptors
3140 3398
3141Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3399Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3142of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3400
3401Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3143(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3402of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3144C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3403can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3145chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3404recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3405previous thread in each. Great).
3146 3406
3147Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3407Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3148to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3408to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3149call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3409call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3150select emulation on windows). 3410select emulation on windows).
3151 3411
3152Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3412Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3153libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3413libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3154or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3414or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3155C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3415C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3156arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3416arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3157libraries. 3417libraries.
3158 3418
3159This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3419This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3160windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3420windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3161wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3421wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3162calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3422calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3163 3423
3164=back 3424=back
3165 3425
3166 3426
3427=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3428
3429In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3430additional extensions:
3431
3432=over 4
3433
3434=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3435calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3436
3437Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3438structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3439assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3440callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3441calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3442
3443=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3444
3445The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3446C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3447threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3448believed to be sufficiently portable.
3449
3450=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3451
3452Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3453allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3454pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3455thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3456be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3457C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3458
3459The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3460except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3461well.
3462
3463=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3464
3465To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3466internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3467non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3468is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3469millions of watchers.
3470
3471=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3472
3473The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3474have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3475enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3476implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3477
3478=back
3479
3480If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3481
3482
3483=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3484
3485Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3486lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3487scared by this.
3488
3489However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3490has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3491warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3492targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3493
3494Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3495workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3496maintainable.
3497
3498And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3499wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3500seems to warn about).
3501
3502While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3503"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3504with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3505them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3506warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3507
3508
3509=head1 VALGRIND
3510
3511Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3512highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3513
3514If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3515in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3516
3517 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3518 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3519 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3520
3521Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3522valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3523might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3524
3525If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3526with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3527a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3528no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3529properly.
3530
3531If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3532I suggest using suppression lists.
3533
3534
3167=head1 AUTHOR 3535=head1 AUTHOR
3168 3536
3169Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3537Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3170 3538

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