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Revision 1.213 by root, Wed Nov 5 02:48:45 2008 UTC

10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
215recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
216 216
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 218
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 220
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
250 } 250 }
251 251
252 ... 252 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 254
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
256 256
257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
276 276
277=back 277=back
278 278
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 280
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
284
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
287not.
284 288
285=over 4 289=over 4
286 290
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 292
294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
295function. 299function.
296 300
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 301Note 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, 302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 303as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
300 304
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 385
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 392of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
393dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
394descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
395so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
396I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
397take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
398hard to detect.
399
400Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
401of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
402I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
403even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
404on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
405employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
406events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
389 407
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 408While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 409will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 410incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 411I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 412file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 413file descriptors.
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 414
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 415Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 416watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 417i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
418starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
419extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
420as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
421take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
422
423All this means that, in practise, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> is as fast or faster
424then epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors. So sad.
403 425
404While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 426While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
405all kernel versions tested so far. 427all kernel versions tested so far.
406 428
407This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 429This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 432=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
411 433
412Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 434Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
413was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 435was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
414with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 436with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
415it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" 437it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
438is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
439without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
416unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 440"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
417C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 441C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
418system like NetBSD. 442system like NetBSD.
419 443
420You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 444You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
421only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 445only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423 447
424It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 448It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
425kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 449kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
426course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 450course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
427cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 451cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
428two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 452two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
429drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 453sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
454cases
430 455
431This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 456This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
432 457
433While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 458While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
434everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 459everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
435almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 460almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
436(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 461(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
437(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 462(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
438sockets. 463using it only for sockets.
439 464
440This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 465This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
441C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with 466C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>. 467C<NOTE_EOF>.
443 468
460While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 485While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
461file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 486file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
462descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 487descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
463might perform better. 488might perform better.
464 489
465On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this 490On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
466backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 491notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
467embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 492in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
493OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
468 494
469This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 495This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
470C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 496C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
471 497
472=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 498=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
481 507
482If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 508If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
483backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 509backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
484specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 510specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
485 511
486The most typical usage is like this: 512Example: This is the most typical usage.
487 513
488 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 514 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
489 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 515 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
490 516
491Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 517Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
492environment settings to be taken into account: 518environment settings to be taken into account:
493 519
494 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 520 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
495 521
496Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 522Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
497available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 523used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
498event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 524private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
525fds):
499 526
500 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 527 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
501 528
502=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 529=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
503 530
524responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 551responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
525calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 552calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
526the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 553the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
527for example). 554for example).
528 555
529Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 556Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
530this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 557handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
531would need to be stopped manually. 558as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
532 559
533In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 560In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
534rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 561rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
535pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 562pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
536C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 563C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
561 588
562=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 589=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
563 590
564Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 591Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
565C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 592C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
566after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 593after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
594entirely your own problem.
567 595
568=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 596=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
569 597
570Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 598Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
599otherwise.
571 600
572=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 601=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
573 602
574Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 603Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
575the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 604the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
613If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 642If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
614either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 643either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
615 644
616Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 645Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
617relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 646relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
618finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 647finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
619automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 648that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
620relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 649of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
650beauty.
621 651
622A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 652A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
623those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 653those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
624case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 654process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
655the loop.
625 656
626A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 657A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
627necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 658necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
628your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 659will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
629one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 660be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
630external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 661user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
662iteration of the loop.
663
664This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
665with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
631libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 666own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
632usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 667usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
633 668
634Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 669Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
635 670
636 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 671 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
646 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 681 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
647 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 682 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
648 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 683 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
649 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 684 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
650 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 685 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
651 - Queue all outstanding timers. 686 - Queue all expired timers.
652 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 687 - Queue all expired periodics.
653 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 688 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
654 - Queue all check watchers. 689 - Queue all check watchers.
655 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 690 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
656 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 691 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
657 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 692 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
674C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 709C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
675C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 710C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
676 711
677This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 712This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
678 713
714It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
715
679=item ev_ref (loop) 716=item ev_ref (loop)
680 717
681=item ev_unref (loop) 718=item ev_unref (loop)
682 719
683Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 720Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
684loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 721loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
685count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 722count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
723
686a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 724If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
687returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 725from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
726stopping it.
727
688example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 728As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
689visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 729not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
690no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 730if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
691way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 731way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
692libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 732libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
693(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 733(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
694respectively). 734respectively).
695 735
696Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 736Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
697running when nothing else is active. 737running when nothing else is active.
698 738
699 struct ev_signal exitsig; 739 ev_signal exitsig;
700 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 740 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
701 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 741 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
702 evf_unref (loop); 742 evf_unref (loop);
703 743
704Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 744Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
718Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 758Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
719allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks 759allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
720to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving 760to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
721opportunities). 761opportunities).
722 762
723The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 763The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
724handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 764one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
725the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 765program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
726events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 766events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
727overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 767overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
728 768
729By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 769By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
730time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 770time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
732C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 772C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
733introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 773introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
734 774
735Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 775Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
736to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 776to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
737latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 777latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
738will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 778later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
739any overhead in libev. 779value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
740 780
741Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 781Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
742interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 782interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
743interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 783interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
744usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 784usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
752they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 792they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
753 793
754=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 794=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
755 795
756This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 796This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
757compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks 797compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
758them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print 798through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
759an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>. 799is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
800error and call C<abort ()>.
760 801
761This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 802This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
762circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its 803circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
763data structures consistent. 804data structures consistent.
764 805
765=back 806=back
766 807
767 808
768=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 809=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
769 810
811In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
812watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
813watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
814
770A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 815A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
771interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 816interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
772become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 817become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
773 818
774 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 819 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
775 { 820 {
776 ev_io_stop (w); 821 ev_io_stop (w);
777 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 822 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
778 } 823 }
779 824
780 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 825 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
826
781 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 827 ev_io stdin_watcher;
828
782 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 829 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
783 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 830 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
784 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 831 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
832
785 ev_loop (loop, 0); 833 ev_loop (loop, 0);
786 834
787As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 835As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
788watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 836watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
789although this can sometimes be quite valid). 837stack).
838
839Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
840or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
790 841
791Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 842Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
792(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 843(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
793callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 844callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
794watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 845watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
795is readable and/or writable). 846is readable and/or writable).
796 847
797Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 848Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
798with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 849macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
799to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 850is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
800(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 851ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
801 852
802To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 853To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
803with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 854with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
804*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 855*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
805corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 856corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
806 857
807As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 858As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
808must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 859must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
809reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 860reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
810 861
811Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 862Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
812registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 863registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
813third argument. 864third argument.
814 865
877=item C<EV_ERROR> 928=item C<EV_ERROR>
878 929
879An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 930An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
880happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 931happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
881ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 932ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
933problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
934
882problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 935You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
883with the watcher being stopped. 936watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
937an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
938bug in your program.
884 939
885Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 940Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
886for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 941example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
887your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 942callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
888with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 943the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
889programs, though, so beware. 944programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
945thing, so beware.
890 946
891=back 947=back
892 948
893=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 949=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
894
895In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
896e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
897 950
898=over 4 951=over 4
899 952
900=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 953=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
901 954
907which rolls both calls into one. 960which rolls both calls into one.
908 961
909You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 962You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
910(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 963(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
911 964
912The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 965The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
913int revents)>. 966int revents)>.
967
968Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
969
970 ev_io w;
971 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
972 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
914 973
915=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 974=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
916 975
917This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 976This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
918call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 977call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
921difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 980difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
922 981
923Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 982Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
924(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 983(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
925 984
985See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
986
926=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 987=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
927 988
928This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 989This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
929calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise 990calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
930a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 991a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
931 992
993Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
994
995 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
996
932=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 997=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
933 998
934Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 999Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
935events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1000events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
936 1001
1002Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1003whole section.
1004
1005 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1006
937=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1007=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
938 1008
939Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1009Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1010the watcher was active or not).
1011
940status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1012It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
941non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1013non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
942C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1014calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
943you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1015pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
944good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1016therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
945 1017
946=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1018=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
947 1019
948Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1020Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
949and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1021and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
991The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1063The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
992always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1064always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
993 1065
994Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1066Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
995fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1067fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
996or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1068or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
997 1069
998=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1070=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
999 1071
1000Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1072Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1001C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1073C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1002can deal with that fact. 1074can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1075callback.
1003 1076
1004=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1077=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1005 1078
1006If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1079If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1007and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1080returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1008watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1081watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1009 1082
1083Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1084callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1085
1010=back 1086=back
1011 1087
1012 1088
1013=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1089=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1014 1090
1015Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1091Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1016and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1092and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1017to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1093to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1018don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1094don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1019member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1095member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1020data: 1096data:
1021 1097
1022 struct my_io 1098 struct my_io
1023 { 1099 {
1024 struct ev_io io; 1100 ev_io io;
1025 int otherfd; 1101 int otherfd;
1026 void *somedata; 1102 void *somedata;
1027 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1103 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1028 }; 1104 };
1029 1105
1032 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1108 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1033 1109
1034And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1110And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1035can cast it back to your own type: 1111can cast it back to your own type:
1036 1112
1037 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1113 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1038 { 1114 {
1039 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1115 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1040 ... 1116 ...
1041 } 1117 }
1042 1118
1053 ev_timer t2; 1129 ev_timer t2;
1054 } 1130 }
1055 1131
1056In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more 1132In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1057complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct 1133complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1058in the C<data> member of the watcher, or you need to use some pointer 1134in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1059arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers: 1135some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1136programmers):
1060 1137
1061 #include <stddef.h> 1138 #include <stddef.h>
1062 1139
1063 static void 1140 static void
1064 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1141 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1065 { 1142 {
1066 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1143 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1067 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1144 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1068 } 1145 }
1069 1146
1070 static void 1147 static void
1071 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1148 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1072 { 1149 {
1073 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1150 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1074 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1151 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1075 } 1152 }
1076 1153
1104In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1181In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1105fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1182fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1106descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1183descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1107required if you know what you are doing). 1184required if you know what you are doing).
1108 1185
1109If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1186If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1110(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1187known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1111C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1188C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1112 1189
1113Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1190Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1114receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1191receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1115be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1192be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1116because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1193because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1117lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1194lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1118this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1195this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1119it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1196it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1120C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1197C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1121 1198
1122If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1199If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1123play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test 1200not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1124whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1201re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1125such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1202interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1126its own, so its quite safe to use). 1203does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1204use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1205indefinitely.
1206
1207But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1127 1208
1128=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1209=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1129 1210
1130Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1211Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1131descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1212descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1132such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1213such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1133descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1214descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1134this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1215this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1135registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1216registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1136fact, a different file descriptor. 1217fact, a different file descriptor.
1137 1218
1168enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1249enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1169C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1250C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1170 1251
1171=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1252=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1172 1253
1173While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1254While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1174when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1255when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1175send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs 1256sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1176this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable. 1257this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1177 1258
1178So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1259So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1179ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1260ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1180somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1261somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1187=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1268=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1188 1269
1189=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1270=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1190 1271
1191Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1272Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1192receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1273receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1193C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1274C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1194 1275
1195=item int fd [read-only] 1276=item int fd [read-only]
1196 1277
1197The file descriptor being watched. 1278The file descriptor being watched.
1198 1279
1207Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1288Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1208readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1289readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1209attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1290attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1210 1291
1211 static void 1292 static void
1212 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1293 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1213 { 1294 {
1214 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1295 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1215 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1296 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1216 } 1297 }
1217 1298
1218 ... 1299 ...
1219 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1300 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1220 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1301 ev_io stdin_readable;
1221 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1302 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1222 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1303 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1223 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1304 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1224 1305
1225 1306
1228Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1309Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1229given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1310given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1230 1311
1231The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1312The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1232times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last 1313times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1233year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1314year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1234detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1315detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1235monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1316monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1236 1317
1237The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed, 1318The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1238but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1319passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1239order of execution is undefined. 1320then order of execution is undefined.
1321
1322=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1323
1324Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1325recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1326you want to raise some error after a while.
1327
1328What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1329inefficient to smart and efficient.
1330
1331In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1332gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1333data or other life sign was received).
1334
1335=over 4
1336
1337=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1338
1339This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1340start the watcher:
1341
1342 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1343 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1344
1345Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1346and start it again:
1347
1348 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1349 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1350 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1351
1352This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1353some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1354data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1355still not a constant-time operation.
1356
1357=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1358
1359This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1360C<ev_timer_start>.
1361
1362To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1363of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1364successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1365you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1366the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1367
1368That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1369C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1370member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1371
1372At start:
1373
1374 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1375 timer->repeat = 60.;
1376 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1377
1378Each time there is some activity:
1379
1380 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1381
1382It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1383whether the watcher is active or not:
1384
1385 timer->repeat = 30.;
1386 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1387
1388This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1389you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1390remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1391
1392It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1393
1394=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1395
1396This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1397relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1398our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1399associated activity resets.
1400
1401In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1402but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1403within the callback:
1404
1405 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1406
1407 static void
1408 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1409 {
1410 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1411 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1412
1413 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1414 if (timeout < now)
1415 {
1416 // timeout occured, take action
1417 }
1418 else
1419 {
1420 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1421 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1422 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1423 w->again = timeout - now;
1424 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1425 }
1426 }
1427
1428To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1429as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1430been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1431the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1432re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1433a timeout then.
1434
1435Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1436C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1437
1438This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1439minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1440libev to change the timeout.
1441
1442To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1443to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1444callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1445
1446 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1447 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1448 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1449
1450And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1451C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1452
1453 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1454
1455This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1456time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1457
1458Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1459callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1460fix things for you.
1461
1462=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1463
1464If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1465employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1466do even better:
1467
1468When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1469at the I<end> of the list.
1470
1471Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1472the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1473
1474When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1475the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1476update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1477
1478This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1479starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1480complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1481ensures that the list stays sorted.
1482
1483=back
1484
1485So which method the best?
1486
1487Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1488situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1489better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1490one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1491
1492Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1493rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1494off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1495overkill :)
1240 1496
1241=head3 The special problem of time updates 1497=head3 The special problem of time updates
1242 1498
1243Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1499Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1244least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1500least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1245time only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes 1501time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1246a growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1502growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1247lots of events. 1503lots of events in one iteration.
1248 1504
1249The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1505The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1250time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1506time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1251of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1507of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1252you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 1508you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1288If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1544If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1289 1545
1290If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1546If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1291C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1547C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1292 1548
1293This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1549This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1294example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1550usage example.
1295timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1296seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1297configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1298C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1299you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1300socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1301automatically restart it if need be.
1302
1303That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1304altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1305
1306 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1307 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1308 ...
1309 timer->again = 17.;
1310 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1311 ...
1312 timer->again = 10.;
1313 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1314
1315This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1316you want to modify its timeout value.
1317 1551
1318=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1552=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1319 1553
1320The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1554The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1321or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1555or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1322which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1556which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1323 1557
1324=back 1558=back
1325 1559
1326=head3 Examples 1560=head3 Examples
1327 1561
1328Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1562Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1329 1563
1330 static void 1564 static void
1331 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1565 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1332 { 1566 {
1333 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1567 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1334 } 1568 }
1335 1569
1336 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1570 ev_timer mytimer;
1337 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1571 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1338 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1572 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1339 1573
1340Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1574Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1341inactivity. 1575inactivity.
1342 1576
1343 static void 1577 static void
1344 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1578 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1345 { 1579 {
1346 .. ten seconds without any activity 1580 .. ten seconds without any activity
1347 } 1581 }
1348 1582
1349 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1583 ev_timer mytimer;
1350 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1584 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1351 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1585 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1352 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1586 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1353 1587
1354 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1588 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1370to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger 1604to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1371roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout). 1605roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1372 1606
1373C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 1607C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1374such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 1608such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1375complicated, rules. 1609complicated rules.
1376 1610
1377As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 1611As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1378time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1612time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1379during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1613during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1380 1614
1381=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1615=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1382 1616
1383=over 4 1617=over 4
1384 1618
1385=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1619=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1386 1620
1387=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1621=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1388 1622
1389Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1623Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1390operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1624operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1391 1625
1392=over 4 1626=over 4
1393 1627
1394=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1628=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1395 1629
1396In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 1630In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1397time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time 1631time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1398jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 1632jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1399run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1633only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1400 1634
1401=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1635=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1402 1636
1403In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1637In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1404C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1638C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1405and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1639and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1406 1640
1407This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1641This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1408time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on 1642system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1409the hour: 1643hour, on the hour:
1410 1644
1411 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1645 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1412 1646
1413This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1647This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1414but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1648but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1440 1674
1441If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1675If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1442it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 1676it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1443only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1677only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1444 1678
1445The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1679The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1446*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1680*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1447 1681
1682 static ev_tstamp
1448 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1683 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1449 { 1684 {
1450 return now + 60.; 1685 return now + 60.;
1451 } 1686 }
1452 1687
1453It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1688It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1490 1725
1491The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1726The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1492take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1727take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1493called. 1728called.
1494 1729
1495=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1730=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1496 1731
1497The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1732The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1498switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1733switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1499the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1734the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1500 1735
1501=back 1736=back
1502 1737
1503=head3 Examples 1738=head3 Examples
1504 1739
1505Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1740Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1506system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1741system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1507potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1742potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1508 1743
1509 static void 1744 static void
1510 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1745 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1511 { 1746 {
1512 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1747 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1513 } 1748 }
1514 1749
1515 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1750 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1516 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1751 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1517 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1752 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1518 1753
1519Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1754Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1520 1755
1521 #include <math.h> 1756 #include <math.h>
1522 1757
1523 static ev_tstamp 1758 static ev_tstamp
1524 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1759 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1525 { 1760 {
1526 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1761 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1527 } 1762 }
1528 1763
1529 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1764 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1530 1765
1531Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1766Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1532 1767
1533 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1768 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1534 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1769 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1535 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1770 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1536 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1771 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1537 1772
1538 1773
1541Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1776Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1542signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1777signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1543will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1778will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1544normal event processing, like any other event. 1779normal event processing, like any other event.
1545 1780
1781If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1782do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1783C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1784
1546You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1785You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1547first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1786first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1548with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1787with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1549as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1788you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1550watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1789the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1551SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1790signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1552 1791
1553If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1792If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1554C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 1793C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1555interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 1794interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1556signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1795signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1573 1812
1574=back 1813=back
1575 1814
1576=head3 Examples 1815=head3 Examples
1577 1816
1578Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1817Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1579 1818
1580 static void 1819 static void
1581 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1820 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1582 { 1821 {
1583 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1822 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1584 } 1823 }
1585 1824
1586 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1825 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1587 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1826 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1588 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1827 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1589 1828
1590 1829
1591=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1830=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1592 1831
1593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1832Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1594some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1833some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1595is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1834exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1596forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1835has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1597loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1836as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1837forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1838but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1839not.
1598 1840
1599Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1841Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1600you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 1842you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1601 1843
1602=head3 Process Interaction 1844=head3 Process Interaction
1663its completion. 1905its completion.
1664 1906
1665 ev_child cw; 1907 ev_child cw;
1666 1908
1667 static void 1909 static void
1668 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1910 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1669 { 1911 {
1670 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1912 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1671 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1913 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1672 } 1914 }
1673 1915
1688 1930
1689 1931
1690=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1932=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1691 1933
1692This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1934This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1693C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1935C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1694compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1936and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1937it did.
1695 1938
1696The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1939The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1697not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1940not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1698not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1941exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1699otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1942C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1700the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1943least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
1944contents.
1701 1945
1702The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1946The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
1947C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1703relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1948your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1704 1949
1705Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1950Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1706calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1951portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1707can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1952to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1708a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1953interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1709unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1954recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1710five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1955(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1711impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1956change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1712usually overkill. 1957currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1713 1958
1714This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1959This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1715as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1960as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1716resource-intensive. 1961resource-intensive.
1717 1962
1718At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1963At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1719implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1964is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1720reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat 1965exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1721semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should 1966implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1722not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1723sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1724but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1725will be no polling.
1726 1967
1727=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1968=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1728 1969
1729Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1970Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1730compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 1971compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1731support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1972support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1732structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1973structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1733use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1974use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1734compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1975compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1735obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1976obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1736most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 1977most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1737 1978
1738The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 1979The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1739file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 1980file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1740optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 1981optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1741to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 1982to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1742default compilation environment. 1983default compilation environment.
1743 1984
1744=head3 Inotify 1985=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1745 1986
1746When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1987When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1747available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1988runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1748change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1989inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1749when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1990watcher is being started.
1750 1991
1751Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1992Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1752except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1993except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1753making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1994making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1754there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1995there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1996but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
1997many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
1998a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
1999xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1755 2000
1756(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2001There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1757implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2002implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1758descriptor open on the object at all times). 2003descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2004etc. is difficult.
2005
2006=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2007
2008Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2009the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2010()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2011
2012For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2013busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2014as the path data is suually in memory already (except when starting the
2015watcher).
2016
2017For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2018time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2019often takes multiple milliseconds.
2020
2021Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2022paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1759 2023
1760=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2024=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1761 2025
1762The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2026The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1763even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still 2027and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1764only support whole seconds. 2028still only support whole seconds.
1765 2029
1766That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2030That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1767easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2031easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1768calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2032calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1769within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat 2033within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1770data does not change. 2034stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1771 2035
1772The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more 2036The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1773than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using 2037than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1774a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02); 2038a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1775ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). 2039ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1795C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2059C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1796be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2060be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1797a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2061a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1798path for as long as the watcher is active. 2062path for as long as the watcher is active.
1799 2063
1800The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative 2064The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1801to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change 2065relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1802was detected). 2066last change was detected).
1803 2067
1804=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2068=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1805 2069
1806Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2070Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1807watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid 2071watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1890 2154
1891 2155
1892=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2156=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1893 2157
1894Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2158Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1895priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2159priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1896count). 2160as receiving "events").
1897 2161
1898That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2162That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1899(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2163(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1900triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2164triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1901are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2165are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1926 2190
1927Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2191Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1928callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2192callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1929 2193
1930 static void 2194 static void
1931 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2195 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1932 { 2196 {
1933 free (w); 2197 free (w);
1934 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2198 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1935 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2199 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1936 } 2200 }
1937 2201
1938 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2202 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1939 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2203 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1940 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2204 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1941 2205
1942 2206
1943=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2207=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1944 2208
1945Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2209Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1946prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2210prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1947afterwards. 2211afterwards.
1948 2212
1949You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2213You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1950the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2214the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1953those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2217those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1954C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2218C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1955called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2219called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1956 2220
1957Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2221Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1958their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2222their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1959variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2223variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1960coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2224coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1961you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2225you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1962in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2226in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1963watcher). 2227watcher).
1964 2228
1965This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2229This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1966to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2230need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1967them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2231for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1968provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2232libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1969any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2233you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1970and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2234of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1971callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2235I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1972because you never know, you know?). 2236nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1973 2237
1974As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2238As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1975coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2239coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1976during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2240during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1977are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2241are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1980loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2244loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1981low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2245low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1982 2246
1983It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2247It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1984priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2248priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2249after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2250
1985after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2251Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1986too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2252activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1987supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers 2253might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1988did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2254C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1989(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2255loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1990state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2256C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1991coexist peacefully with others). 2257others).
1992 2258
1993=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2259=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1994 2260
1995=over 4 2261=over 4
1996 2262
1998 2264
1999=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2265=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
2000 2266
2001Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2267Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
2002parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2268parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
2003macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2269macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2270pointless.
2004 2271
2005=back 2272=back
2006 2273
2007=head3 Examples 2274=head3 Examples
2008 2275
2021 2288
2022 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2289 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2023 static ev_timer tw; 2290 static ev_timer tw;
2024 2291
2025 static void 2292 static void
2026 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2293 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2027 { 2294 {
2028 } 2295 }
2029 2296
2030 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2297 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2031 static void 2298 static void
2032 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2299 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2033 { 2300 {
2034 int timeout = 3600000; 2301 int timeout = 3600000;
2035 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2302 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2036 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2303 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2037 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2304 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2052 } 2319 }
2053 } 2320 }
2054 2321
2055 // stop all watchers after blocking 2322 // stop all watchers after blocking
2056 static void 2323 static void
2057 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2324 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2058 { 2325 {
2059 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2326 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2060 2327
2061 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2328 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2062 { 2329 {
2101 } 2368 }
2102 2369
2103 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2370 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2104 2371
2105Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2372Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2106want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override 2373want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
2107their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2374override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
2108loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2375main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
2109this. 2376this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2377libglib event loop.
2110 2378
2111 static gint 2379 static gint
2112 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2380 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2113 { 2381 {
2114 int got_events = 0; 2382 int got_events = 0;
2145prioritise I/O. 2413prioritise I/O.
2146 2414
2147As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2415As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2148sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2416sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2149still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2417still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2150so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2418so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2151into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2419it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2152be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2420will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2153at least you can use both at what they are best. 2421C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2422best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2154 2423
2155As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2424As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2156to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2425some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2157priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2426and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2158you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2427this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2159a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2428the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2160 2429
2161As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2430As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2162there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2431there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2163call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2432call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2164their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2433their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2172interested in that. 2441interested in that.
2173 2442
2174Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2443Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2175when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2444when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2176but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2445but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2177yourself. 2446yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2447and future versions of libev might do just that.
2178 2448
2179Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2449Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2180C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2450C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2181portable one. 2451portable one.
2182 2452
2183So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2453So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2184that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2454that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2185this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2455this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2186create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2456create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2457
2458=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2459
2460While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2461automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2462fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2463however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2464as applicable.
2187 2465
2188=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2466=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2189 2467
2190=over 4 2468=over 4
2191 2469
2219C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2497C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2220used). 2498used).
2221 2499
2222 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2500 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2223 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2501 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2224 struct ev_embed embed; 2502 ev_embed embed;
2225 2503
2226 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2504 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2227 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2505 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2228 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2506 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2229 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2507 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2243kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2521kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2244C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2522C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2245 2523
2246 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2524 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2247 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2525 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2248 struct ev_embed embed; 2526 ev_embed embed;
2249 2527
2250 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2528 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2251 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2529 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2252 { 2530 {
2253 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2531 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2309is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2587is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2310multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2588multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2311need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2589need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2312 2590
2313That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2591That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2314queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2592queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2315queue: 2593queue:
2316 2594
2317=over 4 2595=over 4
2318 2596
2319=item queueing from a signal handler context 2597=item queueing from a signal handler context
2320 2598
2321To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2599To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2322handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2600handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2323some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler: 2601an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2324 2602
2325 static ev_async mysig; 2603 static ev_async mysig;
2326 2604
2327 static void 2605 static void
2328 sigusr1_handler (void) 2606 sigusr1_handler (void)
2394=over 4 2672=over 4
2395 2673
2396=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2674=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2397 2675
2398Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2676Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2399kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2677kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2400believe me. 2678trust me.
2401 2679
2402=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2680=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2403 2681
2404Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2682Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2405an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2683an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2406C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2684C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2407similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2685similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2408section below on what exactly this means). 2686section below on what exactly this means).
2409 2687
2410This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 2688This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2411so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2689so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2435=over 4 2713=over 4
2436 2714
2437=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2715=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2438 2716
2439This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2717This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2440callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2718callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2441watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2719watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2442or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2720or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2443more watchers yourself. 2721more watchers yourself.
2444 2722
2445If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2723If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2446is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2724C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2447C<events> set will be created and started. 2725the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2448 2726
2449If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2727If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2450started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2728started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2451repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2729repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2452dubious value.
2453 2730
2454The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2731The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2455passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2732passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2456C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2733C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2457value passed to C<ev_once>: 2734value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2735a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2736events precedence.
2737
2738Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2458 2739
2459 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2740 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2460 { 2741 {
2742 if (revents & EV_READ)
2743 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2461 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2744 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2462 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2745 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2463 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2464 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2465 } 2746 }
2466 2747
2467 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2748 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2468 2749
2469=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2750=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2470 2751
2471Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2752Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2472had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2753had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2473initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2754initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2474 2755
2475=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2756=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2476 2757
2477Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2758Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2478the given events it. 2759the given events it.
2479 2760
2480=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2761=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2481 2762
2482Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2763Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2483loop!). 2764loop!).
2484 2765
2485=back 2766=back
2617 2898
2618The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2899The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2619 2900
2620See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2901See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2621 2902
2622Example: 2903Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2623 2904
2624 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2905 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2625 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2906 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2626 2907
2627=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2908=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2665Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2946Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2666the constructor. 2947the constructor.
2667 2948
2668 class myclass 2949 class myclass
2669 { 2950 {
2670 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2951 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2671 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2952 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2672 2953
2673 myclass (int fd) 2954 myclass (int fd)
2674 { 2955 {
2675 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2956 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2676 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2957 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2692=item Perl 2973=item Perl
2693 2974
2694The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2975The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2695libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2976libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2696there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2977there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2697to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2978to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2698C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2979C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2980and C<EV::Glib>).
2699 2981
2700It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at 2982It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2701L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2983L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2702 2984
2703=item Python 2985=item Python
2719=item D 3001=item D
2720 3002
2721Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3003Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2722be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3004be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2723 3005
3006=item Ocaml
3007
3008Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3009L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3010
2724=back 3011=back
2725 3012
2726 3013
2727=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3014=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2728 3015
2828 3115
2829 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3116 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2830 #include "ev.h" 3117 #include "ev.h"
2831 3118
2832Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3119Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2833compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3120compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2834as a bug). 3121as a bug).
2835 3122
2836You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3123You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2837in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3124in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2838 3125
2882 3169
2883=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3170=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2884 3171
2885Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3172Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2886define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3173define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2887autoconf is noted for every option. 3174autoconf is documented for every option.
2888 3175
2889=over 4 3176=over 4
2890 3177
2891=item EV_STANDALONE 3178=item EV_STANDALONE
2892 3179
3062When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3349When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3063all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3350all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
3064and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3351and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3065fine. 3352fine.
3066 3353
3067If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3354If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3068C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 3355both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3069 3356
3070=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3357=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
3071 3358
3072If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3359If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
3073defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3360defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3080code. 3367code.
3081 3368
3082=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3369=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3083 3370
3084If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3371If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3085defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3372defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3373watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3086 3374
3087=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3375=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3088 3376
3089If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3377If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3090defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3378defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3122two). 3410two).
3123 3411
3124=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3412=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3125 3413
3126Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3414Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3127timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 3415timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3128to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3416to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3129noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3417faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3130 3418
3131The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3419The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3132(disabled). 3420(disabled).
3133 3421
3134=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3422=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3135 3423
3136Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3424Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3137timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3425timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3138the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3426the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3139which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 3427which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3140but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 3428but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3141noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3429noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3142 3430
3143The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3431The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3144(disabled). 3432(disabled).
3145 3433
3146=item EV_VERIFY 3434=item EV_VERIFY
3152called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 3440called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3153verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 3441verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3154libev considerably. 3442libev considerably.
3155 3443
3156The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 3444The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3157C<0.> 3445C<0>.
3158 3446
3159=item EV_COMMON 3447=item EV_COMMON
3160 3448
3161By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3449By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3162this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3450this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3179and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3467and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
3180definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3468definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3181their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3469their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3182avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3470avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3183method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3471method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3472
3473=back
3184 3474
3185=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3475=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3186 3476
3187If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of 3477If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3188exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3478exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3235And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3525And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3236 3526
3237 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3527 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3238 #include "ev.c" 3528 #include "ev.c"
3239 3529
3530=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3240 3531
3241=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3532=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3242 3533
3243=head2 THREADS 3534=head3 THREADS
3244 3535
3245Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This 3536All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3537documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3246means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3538that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3247only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3539are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3248parameter. 3540parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3541of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3542structures that need any locking.
3249 3543
3250Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3544Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3251parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3545concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3252done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3546must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3253thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3547only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3254per loop). 3548a mutex per loop).
3549
3550Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3551so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3552concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3553outside".
3255 3554
3256If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops 3555If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3257without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot 3556without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3258help you. I can give some generic advice however: 3557help you, but here is some generic advice:
3259 3558
3260=over 4 3559=over 4
3261 3560
3262=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3561=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3263in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop. 3562in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3275 3574
3276Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do 3575Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3277better than you currently do :-) 3576better than you currently do :-)
3278 3577
3279=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3578=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3579event loop.
3580
3280event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3581C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3281threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3582(or from signal contexts...).
3583
3584An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3585work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3586default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3587watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3282 3588
3283=back 3589=back
3284 3590
3285=head2 COROUTINES 3591=head3 COROUTINES
3286 3592
3287Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3593Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3288libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3594libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3289coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3595coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3290different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3596different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3291loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3597loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3292you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3598you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3293 3599
3294Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local 3600Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3295state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine 3601C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3296switches. 3602they do not call any callbacks.
3297 3603
3604=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3298 3605
3299=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3606Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3607lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3608scared by this.
3300 3609
3301In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3610However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3302libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3611has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3303documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3612warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3613targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3304 3614
3305All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3615Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3306extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3616workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3307happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3617maintainable.
3308mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3309it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3310 3618
3311=over 4 3619And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3620wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3621seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3622warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3623been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3624such buggy versions.
3312 3625
3313=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3626While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3627"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3628with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3629them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3630warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3314 3631
3315This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3316there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3317have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3318 3632
3319=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3633=head2 VALGRIND
3320 3634
3321That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3635Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3322as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3636highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3323 3637
3324=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3638If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3639in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3325 3640
3326These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3641 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3642 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3643 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3327 3644
3328=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3645Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3646is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3329 3647
3330=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3648Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3649as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3650although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3651confused.
3331 3652
3332These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3653Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3333correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3654make it into some kind of religion.
3334have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3335 3655
3336=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3656If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3657with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3658is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3659annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3660of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3337 3661
3338By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3662If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3339fixed position in the storage array. 3663I suggest using suppression lists.
3340 3664
3341=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3342 3665
3343A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3666=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3344libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3345on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3346 3667
3347=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3348
3349=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3350
3351Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3352priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3353linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3354watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3355
3356=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3357
3358=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3359
3360=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3361
3362Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3363calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3364involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3365
3366=back
3367
3368
3369=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 3668=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3370 3669
3371Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3670Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3372requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3671requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3373model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3672model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3374the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3673the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3385 3684
3386Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 3685Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3387accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 3686accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3388either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 3687either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3389so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 3688so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3390megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory 3689megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3391available). 3690available).
3392 3691
3393Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3692Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3394the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3693the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3395is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3694is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3406 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */ 3705 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3407 3706
3408 #include "ev.h" 3707 #include "ev.h"
3409 3708
3410And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure 3709And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3411you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!): 3710you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3412 3711
3413 #include "evwrap.h" 3712 #include "evwrap.h"
3414 #include "ev.c" 3713 #include "ev.c"
3415 3714
3416=over 4 3715=over 4
3461wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3760wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3462calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3761calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3463 3762
3464=back 3763=back
3465 3764
3466
3467=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3765=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3468 3766
3469In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3767In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3470additional extensions: 3768backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3471 3769
3472=over 4 3770=over 4
3473 3771
3474=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible 3772=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3475calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>. 3773calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3481calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 3779calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3482 3780
3483=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3781=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3484 3782
3485The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3783The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3486C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3784C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3487threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3785threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3488believed to be sufficiently portable. 3786believed to be sufficiently portable.
3489 3787
3490=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3788=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3491 3789
3500except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3798except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3501well. 3799well.
3502 3800
3503=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3801=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3504 3802
3505To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3803To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3506internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3804instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3507non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3805systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3508is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3806least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3509millions of watchers. 3807watchers.
3510 3808
3511=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3809=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3512 3810
3513The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3811The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3514have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 3812have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3518=back 3816=back
3519 3817
3520If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3818If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3521 3819
3522 3820
3523=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 3821=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3524 3822
3525Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3823In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3526lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3824libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3527scared by this. 3825the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3528 3826
3529However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 3827All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3530has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 3828extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3531warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 3829happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3532targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 3830mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3831average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3533 3832
3534Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 3833=over 4
3535workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3536maintainable.
3537 3834
3538And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 3835=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3539wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3540seems to warn about).
3541 3836
3542While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 3837This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3543"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 3838there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3544with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 3839have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3545them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3546warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3547 3840
3841=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3548 3842
3549=head1 VALGRIND 3843That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3844as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3550 3845
3551Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3846=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3552highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3553 3847
3554If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3848These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3555in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3556 3849
3557 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3850=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3558 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3559 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3560 3851
3561Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3852=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3562valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3563might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3564 3853
3565If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3854These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3566with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3855correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3567a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3856have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3568no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind 3857is rare).
3569properly.
3570 3858
3571If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3859=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3572I suggest using suppression lists. 3860
3861By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3862fixed position in the storage array.
3863
3864=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3865
3866A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3867libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3868on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3869
3870=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3871
3872=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3873
3874Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3875priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3876linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3877watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3878
3879=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3880
3881=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3882
3883=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3884
3885Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3886calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3887involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3888
3889=back
3573 3890
3574 3891
3575=head1 AUTHOR 3892=head1 AUTHOR
3576 3893
3577Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3894Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3578 3895

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