ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.50 by root, Tue Nov 27 10:59:11 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.179 by root, Sat Sep 13 19:14:21 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h>
13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 }
32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 {
37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 }
41
42 int
43 main (void)
44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57
58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0;
63 }
8 64
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 74
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 82watcher.
23 83
24=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
25 85
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
95(C<ev_fork>).
96
97It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 99for example).
33 100
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 102
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
42will not have this argument. 109this argument.
43 110
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 112
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
52 142
53=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
54 144
55These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
56library in any way. 146library in any way.
61 151
62Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
63C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
64you actually want to know. 154you actually want to know.
65 155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
161
66=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
67 163
68=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
69 165
70You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 166You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
71you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 167you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
72C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 168C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
73symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 169symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
74version of the library your program was compiled against. 170version of the library your program was compiled against.
75 171
172These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
173release version.
174
76Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 175Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
77as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
78compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
79not a problem. 178not a problem.
80 179
81Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
82version: 181version.
83 182
84 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
85 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
86 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
87 186
88=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
89 188
90Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
91value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
93a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
94 193
95Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
96a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
97 196
98 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
99 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
100 199
101=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
102 201
103Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
104recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
105returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
106most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
107(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
108libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
109 208
110=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
111 210
117 216
118See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
119 218
120=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
121 220
122Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
123realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
124and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
125needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
126destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 225or take some potentially destructive action.
226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
127 230
128You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
129free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
130or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
131 234
132Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
133retries: better than mine). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
134 237
135 static void * 238 static void *
136 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
137 { 240 {
138 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
139 { 242 {
140 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 243 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
141 244
149 ... 252 ...
150 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
151 254
152=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
153 256
154Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
155as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
156indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
157callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
158matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
159requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
160(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
161 264
162Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
163 266
164 static void 267 static void
165 fatal_error (const char *msg) 268 fatal_error (const char *msg)
166 { 269 {
167 perror (msg); 270 perror (msg);
176=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
177 280
178An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
179types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
180events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
181
182If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
183in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
184create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
185whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
186threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
187done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
188 284
189=over 4 285=over 4
190 286
191=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
192 288
196flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
197 293
198If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
199function. 295function.
200 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>.
307
201The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
202backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
203 310
204The following flags are supported: 311The following flags are supported:
205 312
210The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
211thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
212 319
213=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
214 321
215If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
216or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
217C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
218override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
219useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
220around bugs. 327around bugs.
221 328
329=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
330
331Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
332a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
333enabling this flag.
334
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
341
342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
344flag.
345
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable.
348
222=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
223 350
224This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
225libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
226but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
227using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
228the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363
364This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
365C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
366C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
229 367
230=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 368=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
231 369
232And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
233select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
234number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
235lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
375performance tips.
376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
236 379
237=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
238 381
239For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
240but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
241O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
242either O(1) or O(active_fds). 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
388support for dup.
243 389
244While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
245result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
246(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
247best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
248well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
249 395
250Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
251need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
252(or space) is available. 398(or space) is available.
253 399
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
402keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
403
404While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
405all kernel versions tested so far.
406
407This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
408C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
409
254=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 410=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
255 411
256Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 412Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
257was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 413was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
258anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 414with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
259completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 415it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
260unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 416unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
261C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 417C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
418system like NetBSD.
419
420You 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
422the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
262 423
263It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 424It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
264kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 425kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
265course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 426course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
266extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 427cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
267incident, so its best to avoid that. 428two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
429drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
430
431This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
432
433While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
434everywhere, 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
436(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
438sockets.
439
440This 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
442C<NOTE_EOF>.
268 443
269=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 444=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
270 445
271This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 446This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
447implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
448and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
449immensely.
272 450
273=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 451=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
274 452
275This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 453This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
276it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 454it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
277 455
278Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 456Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
279notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 457notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
280blocking when no data (or space) is available. 458blocking when no data (or space) is available.
459
460While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
461file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
462descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
463might perform better.
464
465On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
466backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
467embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
468
469This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
470C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
281 471
282=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 472=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
283 473
284Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 474Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
285with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 475with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
286C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 476C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
287 477
478It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
479
288=back 480=back
289 481
290If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 482If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
291backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 483backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
292specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 484specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
293order of their flag values :)
294 485
295The most typical usage is like this: 486The most typical usage is like this:
296 487
297 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 488 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
298 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 489 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
299 490
300Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 491Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
301environment settings to be taken into account: 492environment settings to be taken into account:
302 493
303 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 494 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
304 495
305Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 496Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
306available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 497available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
307event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 498event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
308 499
309 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 500 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
310 501
311=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 502=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
312 503
313Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 504Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
314always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 505always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
315handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 506handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
316undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 507undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
317 508
509Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
510libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
511default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
512
318Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 513Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
319 514
320 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 515 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
321 if (!epoller) 516 if (!epoller)
322 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 517 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
323 518
324=item ev_default_destroy () 519=item ev_default_destroy ()
325 520
326Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 521Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
327etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 522etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
328sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 523sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
329responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 524responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
330calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 525calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
331the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 526the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
332for example). 527for example).
528
529Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
530this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
531would need to be stopped manually.
532
533In 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
535pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
536C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
333 537
334=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 538=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
335 539
336Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 540Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
337earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 541earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
338 542
339=item ev_default_fork () 543=item ev_default_fork ()
340 544
545This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
341This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 546to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
342one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 547name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
343after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 548the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
344again makes little sense). 549sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
550functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
345 551
346You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 552On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
347only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 553process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
348fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 554you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
349 555
350The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 556The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
351it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 557it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
352quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 558quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
353 559
354 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 560 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
355 561
356At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
357without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
358do not need to care.
359
360=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 562=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
361 563
362Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 564Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
363C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 565C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
364after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 566after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
567
568=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
569
570Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
571
572=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
573
574Returns 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
576happily wraps around with enough iterations.
577
578This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
579"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
580C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
365 581
366=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 582=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
367 583
368Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 584Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
369use. 585use.
372 588
373Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 589Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
374received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 590received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
375change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 591change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
376time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 592time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
377event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 593event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
594
595=item ev_now_update (loop)
596
597Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
598returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
599is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
600
601This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
602very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
603the current time is a good idea.
604
605See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
378 606
379=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 607=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
380 608
381Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 609Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
382after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 610after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
394A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 622A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
395those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 623those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
396case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 624case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
397 625
398A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 626A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
399neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 627necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
400your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 628your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
401one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 629one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
402external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 630external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
403libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 631libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
404usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 632usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
405 633
406Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 634Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
407 635
408 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 636 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 637 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
638 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
639 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
410 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 640 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
641 as to not disturb the other process.
411 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 642 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
412 - Update the "event loop time". 643 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
413 - Calculate for how long to block. 644 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
645 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
646 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
647 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
414 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 648 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
415 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 649 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
416 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 650 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
417 - Queue all outstanding timers. 651 - Queue all outstanding timers.
418 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 652 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
419 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 653 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
420 - Queue all check watchers. 654 - Queue all check watchers.
421 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 655 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
422 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 656 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
423 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 657 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
424 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 658 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
425 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 659 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
660 continue with step *.
426 661
427Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 662Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
428anymore. 663anymore.
429 664
430 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 665 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
431 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 666 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
432 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 667 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
433 ... jobs done. yeah! 668 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
434 669
435=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 670=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
436 671
437Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 672Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
438has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 673has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
439C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 674C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
440C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 675C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
676
677This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
441 678
442=item ev_ref (loop) 679=item ev_ref (loop)
443 680
444=item ev_unref (loop) 681=item ev_unref (loop)
445 682
450returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 687returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
451example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 688example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
452visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 689visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
453no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 690no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
454way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 691way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
455libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 692libraries. 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,
694respectively).
456 695
457Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 696Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
458running when nothing else is active. 697running when nothing else is active.
459 698
460 struct dv_signal exitsig; 699 struct ev_signal exitsig;
461 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 700 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
462 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 701 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
463 evf_unref (myloop); 702 evf_unref (loop);
464 703
465Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 704Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
466 705
467 ev_ref (myloop); 706 ev_ref (loop);
468 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 707 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
708
709=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
710
711=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
712
713These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
714for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
715will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
716latency.
717
718Setting 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
720to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
721opportunities).
722
723The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
724handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
725the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
726events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
727overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
728
729By 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,
731at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
732C<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.
734
735Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
736to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
737latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
738will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
739any overhead in libev.
740
741Many (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
743interactive 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>,
745as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
746
747Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
748saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
749are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
750times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
751reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
752they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
753
754=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
755
756This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
757compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
758them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
759an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
760
761This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
762circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
763data structures consistent.
469 764
470=back 765=back
471 766
472 767
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 768=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
474 769
475A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 770A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
476interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 771interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
477become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 772become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
478 773
479 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 774 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
480 { 775 {
481 ev_io_stop (w); 776 ev_io_stop (w);
482 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 777 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
483 } 778 }
484 779
485 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 780 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
486 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 781 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
487 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 782 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
488 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 783 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
489 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 784 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
490 ev_loop (loop, 0); 785 ev_loop (loop, 0);
491 786
492As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 787As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
493watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 788watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
494although this can sometimes be quite valid). 789although this can sometimes be quite valid).
495 790
496Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 791Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
497(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 792(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
498callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 793callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
499watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 794watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
500is readable and/or writable). 795is readable and/or writable).
501 796
502Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 797Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
503with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 798with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
573=item C<EV_FORK> 868=item C<EV_FORK>
574 869
575The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 870The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
576C<ev_fork>). 871C<ev_fork>).
577 872
873=item C<EV_ASYNC>
874
875The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
876
578=item C<EV_ERROR> 877=item C<EV_ERROR>
579 878
580An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 879An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
581happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 880happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
582ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 881ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
583problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 882problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
584with the watcher being stopped. 883with the watcher being stopped.
585 884
586Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 885Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
587for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 886for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
588your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 887your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
589with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 888with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
590programs, though, so beware. 889programs, though, so beware.
591 890
592=back 891=back
593 892
594=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 893=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
624Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 923Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
625(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 924(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
626 925
627=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 926=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
628 927
629This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 928This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
630calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 929calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
631a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 930a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
632 931
633=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 932=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
634 933
635Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 934Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
653=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 952=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 953
655Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 954Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
656events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 955events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
657is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 956is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
658C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 957C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
659libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 958make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
959it).
660 960
661=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 961=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
662 962
663Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 963Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
664 964
665=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 965=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
666 966
667Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 967Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
668(modulo threads). 968(modulo threads).
969
970=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
971
972=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
973
974Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
975integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
976(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
977before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
978from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
979
980This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
981invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
982example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
983watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
984
985If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
986you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
987
988You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
989pending.
990
991The 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 :).
993
994Setting 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
996or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
997
998=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
999
1000Invoke 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
1002can deal with that fact.
1003
1004=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1005
1006If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
1007and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1008watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
669 1009
670=back 1010=back
671 1011
672 1012
673=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1013=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
677to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1017to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
678don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1018don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
679member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1019member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
680data: 1020data:
681 1021
682 struct my_io 1022 struct my_io
683 { 1023 {
684 struct ev_io io; 1024 struct ev_io io;
685 int otherfd; 1025 int otherfd;
686 void *somedata; 1026 void *somedata;
687 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1027 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
688 } 1028 };
1029
1030 ...
1031 struct my_io w;
1032 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
689 1033
690And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1034And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
691can cast it back to your own type: 1035can cast it back to your own type:
692 1036
693 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1037 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
694 { 1038 {
695 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1039 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
696 ... 1040 ...
697 } 1041 }
698 1042
699More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 1043More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
700have been omitted.... 1044instead have been omitted.
1045
1046Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1047embedded watchers:
1048
1049 struct my_biggy
1050 {
1051 int some_data;
1052 ev_timer t1;
1053 ev_timer t2;
1054 }
1055
1056In 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
1058in the C<data> member of the watcher, or you need to use some pointer
1059arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers:
1060
1061 #include <stddef.h>
1062
1063 static void
1064 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1065 {
1066 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1067 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1068 }
1069
1070 static void
1071 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1072 {
1073 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1074 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1075 }
701 1076
702 1077
703=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1078=head1 WATCHER TYPES
704 1079
705This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1080This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
729In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1104In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
730fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1105fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
731descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1106descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
732required if you know what you are doing). 1107required if you know what you are doing).
733 1108
734You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
735(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
736descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
737to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
738the same underlying "file open").
739
740If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1109If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
741(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1110(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
742C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1111C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
743 1112
744Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1113Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
745receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1114receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
746be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1115be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
747because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1116because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
748lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1117lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
749this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1118this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
750it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1119it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
751C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1120C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
752 1121
753If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1122If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
754play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1123play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
755wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1124whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
756such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1125such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
757its own, so its quite safe to use). 1126its own, so its quite safe to use).
758 1127
1128=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1129
1130Some 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,
1132such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1133descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1134this 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
1136fact, a different file descriptor.
1137
1138To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1139the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1140will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1141it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1142you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1143descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1144
1145This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1146the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1147optimisations to libev.
1148
1149=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1150
1151Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1152but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1153have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1154events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1155
1156There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1157for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1158C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1159
1160=head3 The special problem of fork
1161
1162Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1163useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1164it in the child.
1165
1166To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1167C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1168enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1169C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1170
1171=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1172
1173While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1174when 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
1176this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1177
1178So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1179ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1180somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1181
1182
1183=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1184
759=over 4 1185=over 4
760 1186
761=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1187=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
762 1188
763=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1189=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
764 1190
765Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1191Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
766rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1192receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
767C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1193C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
768 1194
769=item int fd [read-only] 1195=item int fd [read-only]
770 1196
771The file descriptor being watched. 1197The file descriptor being watched.
774 1200
775The events being watched. 1201The events being watched.
776 1202
777=back 1203=back
778 1204
1205=head3 Examples
1206
779Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1207Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
780readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1208readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
781attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1209attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
782 1210
783 static void 1211 static void
784 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1212 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
785 { 1213 {
786 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1214 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
787 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1215 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
788 } 1216 }
789 1217
790 ... 1218 ...
791 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1219 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
792 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1220 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
793 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1221 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
794 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1222 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
795 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1223 ev_loop (loop, 0);
796 1224
797 1225
798=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1226=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
799 1227
800Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1228Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
801given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1229given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
802 1230
803The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1231The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
804times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1232times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
805time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1233year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
806detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1234detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
807monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1235monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1236
1237The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1238but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1239order of execution is undefined.
1240
1241=head3 The special problem of time updates
1242
1243Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1244least 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
1246a growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1247lots of events.
808 1248
809The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1249The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
810time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1250time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
811of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1251of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
812you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1252you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
813on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1253timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
814 1254
815 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1255 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
816 1256
817The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1257If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
818but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1258update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
819order of execution is undefined. 1259()>.
1260
1261=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
820 1262
821=over 4 1263=over 4
822 1264
823=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1265=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
824 1266
825=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1267=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
826 1268
827Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1269Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
828C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1270is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
829timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1271reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
830later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1272configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1273until stopped manually.
831 1274
832The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1275The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
833configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1276you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
834exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1277trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
835the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1278keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
836timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1279do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
837 1280
838=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1281=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
839 1282
840This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1283This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
841repeating. The exact semantics are: 1284repeating. The exact semantics are:
842 1285
1286If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1287
843If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1288If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
844 1289
845If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1290If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
846value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1291C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
847 1292
848This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1293This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
849example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1294example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
850idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1295timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
851say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1296seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
852this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1297configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
853C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1298C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
854you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1299you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
855socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1300socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
856need be. 1301automatically restart it if need be.
857 1302
858You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1303That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
859and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1304altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
860 1305
861 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1306 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
862 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1307 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
863 ... 1308 ...
864 timer->again = 17.; 1309 timer->again = 17.;
865 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1310 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
866 ... 1311 ...
867 timer->again = 10.; 1312 timer->again = 10.;
868 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1313 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
869 1314
870This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1315This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
871to modify its timeout value. 1316you want to modify its timeout value.
872 1317
873=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1318=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
874 1319
875The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1320The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
876or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1321or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
877which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1322which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
878 1323
879=back 1324=back
880 1325
1326=head3 Examples
1327
881Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1328Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
882 1329
883 static void 1330 static void
884 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1331 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
885 { 1332 {
886 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1333 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
887 } 1334 }
888 1335
889 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1336 struct ev_timer mytimer;
890 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1337 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
891 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1338 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
892 1339
893Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1340Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
894inactivity. 1341inactivity.
895 1342
896 static void 1343 static void
897 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1344 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
898 { 1345 {
899 .. ten seconds without any activity 1346 .. ten seconds without any activity
900 } 1347 }
901 1348
902 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1349 struct ev_timer mytimer;
903 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1350 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
904 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1351 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
905 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1352 ev_loop (loop, 0);
906 1353
907 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1354 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
908 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1355 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
909 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1356 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
910 1357
911 1358
912=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1359=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
913 1360
914Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1361Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
915(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1362(and unfortunately a bit complex).
916 1363
917Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1364Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
918but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1365but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
919to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1366to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
920periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1367periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
921+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1368+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1369clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
922take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1370to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
923roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1371roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
924again).
925 1372
926They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1373C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
927triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1374such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1375complicated, rules.
928 1376
929As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1377As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
930time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1378time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
931during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1379during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1380
1381=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
932 1382
933=over 4 1383=over 4
934 1384
935=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1385=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
936 1386
939Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1389Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
940operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1390operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
941 1391
942=over 4 1392=over 4
943 1393
944=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1394=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
945 1395
946In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1396In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
947C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1397time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
948that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1398jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
949system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1399run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
950 1400
951=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1401=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
952 1402
953In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1403In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
954C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1404C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
955of any time jumps. 1405and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
956 1406
957This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1407This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
958time: 1408time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1409the hour:
959 1410
960 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1411 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
961 1412
962This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1413This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
963but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1414but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
964full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1415full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
965by 3600. 1416by 3600.
966 1417
967Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1418Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
968C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1419C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
969time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1420time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
970 1421
1422For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1423C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1424this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1425
1426Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1427speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1428will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1429millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1430
971=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1431=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
972 1432
973In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1433In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
974ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1434ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
975reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1435reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
976current time as second argument. 1436current time as second argument.
977 1437
978NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1438NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
979ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1439ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
980return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
981starting a prepare watcher).
982 1440
1441If 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
1443only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1444
983Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1445The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
984ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1446*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
985 1447
986 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1448 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
987 { 1449 {
988 return now + 60.; 1450 return now + 60.;
989 } 1451 }
991It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1453It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
992(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1454(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
993will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1455will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
994might be called at other times, too. 1456might be called at other times, too.
995 1457
996NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1458NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
997passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1459equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
998 1460
999This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1461This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1000triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1462triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1001next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1463next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1002you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1464you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1003reason I omitted it as an example). 1465reason I omitted it as an example).
1004 1466
1005=back 1467=back
1009Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1471Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1010when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1472when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1011a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1473a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1012program when the crontabs have changed). 1474program when the crontabs have changed).
1013 1475
1476=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1477
1478When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1479trigger next.
1480
1481=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1482
1483When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1484absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1485
1486Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1487timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1488
1014=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1489=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1015 1490
1016The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1491The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1017take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1492take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1018called. 1493called.
1023switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1498switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1024the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1499the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1025 1500
1026=back 1501=back
1027 1502
1503=head3 Examples
1504
1028Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1505Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1029system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1506system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1030potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1507potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1031 1508
1032 static void 1509 static void
1033 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1510 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1034 { 1511 {
1035 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1512 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1036 } 1513 }
1037 1514
1038 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1515 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1039 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1516 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1040 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1517 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1041 1518
1042Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1519Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1043 1520
1044 #include <math.h> 1521 #include <math.h>
1045 1522
1046 static ev_tstamp 1523 static ev_tstamp
1047 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1524 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1048 { 1525 {
1049 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1526 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1050 } 1527 }
1051 1528
1052 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1529 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1053 1530
1054Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1531Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1055 1532
1056 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1533 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1057 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1534 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1058 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1535 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1059 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1536 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1060 1537
1061 1538
1062=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1539=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1063 1540
1064Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1541Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1071with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1548with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1072as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1549as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1073watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1550watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1074SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1551SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1075 1552
1553If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1554C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1555interrupted. 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
1557them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1558
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560
1076=over 4 1561=over 4
1077 1562
1078=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1563=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1079 1564
1080=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1565=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1086 1571
1087The signal the watcher watches out for. 1572The signal the watcher watches out for.
1088 1573
1089=back 1574=back
1090 1575
1576=head3 Examples
1577
1578Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1579
1580 static void
1581 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1582 {
1583 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1584 }
1585
1586 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1587 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1588 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1589
1091 1590
1092=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1591=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1093 1592
1094Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1095some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1594some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1595is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1596forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1597loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1598
1599Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1600you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1601
1602=head3 Process Interaction
1603
1604Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1605initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1606the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1607of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1608synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1609children, even ones not watched.
1610
1611=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1612
1613Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1614processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1615handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1616C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1617default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1618event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1619that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1620
1621=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1622
1623Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1624child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1625callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1626when a child exit is detected.
1627
1628=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1096 1629
1097=over 4 1630=over 4
1098 1631
1099=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1632=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1100 1633
1101=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1634=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1102 1635
1103Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1636Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1104I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1637I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1105at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1638at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1106the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1639the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1107C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1640C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1108process causing the status change. 1641process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1642activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1643activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1109 1644
1110=item int pid [read-only] 1645=item int pid [read-only]
1111 1646
1112The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1647The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1113 1648
1120The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1655The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1121C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1656C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1122 1657
1123=back 1658=back
1124 1659
1125Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1660=head3 Examples
1126 1661
1662Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1663its completion.
1664
1665 ev_child cw;
1666
1127 static void 1667 static void
1128 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1668 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1129 { 1669 {
1130 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1670 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1671 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1131 } 1672 }
1132 1673
1133 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1674 pid_t pid = fork ();
1134 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1675
1135 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1676 if (pid < 0)
1677 // error
1678 else if (pid == 0)
1679 {
1680 // the forked child executes here
1681 exit (1);
1682 }
1683 else
1684 {
1685 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1686 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1687 }
1136 1688
1137 1689
1138=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1690=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1139 1691
1140This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1692This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1141C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1693C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1142compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1694compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1143 1695
1144The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1696The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1145not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1697not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1146not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1698not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1147otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1699otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1148the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1700the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1149 1701
1702The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1703relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1704
1150Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1705Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1151calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1706calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1152can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1707can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1153a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1708a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1154unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1709unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1155five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1710five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1156impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1711impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1158 1713
1159This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1714This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1160as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1715as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1161resource-intensive. 1716resource-intensive.
1162 1717
1163At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1718At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1164if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1719implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1720reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1721semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
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
1727=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1728
1729Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1730compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1731support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1732structure. 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
1734compile 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
1736most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1737
1738The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1739file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1740optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1741to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1742default compilation environment.
1743
1744=head3 Inotify
1745
1746When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1747available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1748change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1749when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1750
1751Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1752except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1753making 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.
1755
1756(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1757implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1758descriptor open on the object at all times).
1759
1760=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1761
1762The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1763even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1764only support whole seconds.
1765
1766That 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
1768calls 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
1770data does not change.
1771
1772The 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
1774a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1775ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1776
1777The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1778of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1779might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1780C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1781a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1782update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1783the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1784the timer callback).
1785
1786=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1165 1787
1166=over 4 1788=over 4
1167 1789
1168=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1790=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1169 1791
1173C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1795C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1174be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1796be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1175a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1797a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1176path for as long as the watcher is active. 1798path for as long as the watcher is active.
1177 1799
1178The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1800The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1179relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1801to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1180last change was detected). 1802was detected).
1181 1803
1182=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1804=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1183 1805
1184Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1806Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1185watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1807watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1186detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1808detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1187useful simply to find out the new values. 1809the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1810new values.
1188 1811
1189=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1812=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1190 1813
1191The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1814The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1192C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1815C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1193suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1816suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1817members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1194was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1818some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1195 1819
1196=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1820=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1197 1821
1198The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1822The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1199C<prev> != C<attr>. 1823C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1824differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1825C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1200 1826
1201=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1827=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1202 1828
1203The specified interval. 1829The specified interval.
1204 1830
1205=item const char *path [read-only] 1831=item const char *path [read-only]
1206 1832
1207The filesystem path that is being watched. 1833The file system path that is being watched.
1208 1834
1209=back 1835=back
1210 1836
1837=head3 Examples
1838
1211Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1839Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1212 1840
1213 static void 1841 static void
1214 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1842 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1215 { 1843 {
1216 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1844 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1217 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1845 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1218 { 1846 {
1219 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1847 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1220 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1848 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1221 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1849 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1222 } 1850 }
1223 else 1851 else
1224 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1852 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1225 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1853 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1226 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1854 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1227 } 1855 }
1228 1856
1229 ... 1857 ...
1230 ev_stat passwd; 1858 ev_stat passwd;
1231 1859
1232 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1860 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1233 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1861 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1862
1863Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1864miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1865one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1866C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1867
1868 static ev_stat passwd;
1869 static ev_timer timer;
1870
1871 static void
1872 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1873 {
1874 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1875
1876 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1877 }
1878
1879 static void
1880 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1881 {
1882 /* reset the one-second timer */
1883 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1884 }
1885
1886 ...
1887 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1888 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1889 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1234 1890
1235 1891
1236=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1892=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1237 1893
1238Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1894Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1239(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1895priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1240as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1896count).
1241imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1897
1242watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1898That 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
1900triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1901are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1243until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1902iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1244busy. 1903and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1245 1904
1246The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1905The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1247active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1906active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1248 1907
1249Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1908Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1250effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1909effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1251"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1910"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1252event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1911event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1253 1912
1913=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1914
1254=over 4 1915=over 4
1255 1916
1256=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1917=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1257 1918
1258Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1919Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1259kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1920kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1260believe me. 1921believe me.
1261 1922
1262=back 1923=back
1263 1924
1925=head3 Examples
1926
1264Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1927Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1265callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1928callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1266 1929
1267 static void 1930 static void
1268 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1931 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1269 { 1932 {
1270 free (w); 1933 free (w);
1271 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1934 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1272 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1935 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1273 } 1936 }
1274 1937
1275 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1938 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1276 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1939 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1277 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1940 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1278 1941
1279 1942
1280=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1943=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1281 1944
1282Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1945Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1301 1964
1302This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1965This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1303to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1966to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1304them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1967them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1305provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1968provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1306any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1969any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1307and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1970and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1308callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1971callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1309because you never know, you know?). 1972because you never know, you know?).
1310 1973
1311As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1974As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1315with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1978with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1316of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1979of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1317loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1980loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1318low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1981low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1319 1982
1983It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1984priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1985after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1986too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1987supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1988did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1989(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1990state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1991coexist peacefully with others).
1992
1993=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1994
1320=over 4 1995=over 4
1321 1996
1322=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1997=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1323 1998
1324=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1999=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1327parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2002parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1328macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2003macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1329 2004
1330=back 2005=back
1331 2006
1332Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 2007=head3 Examples
1333and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 2008
2009There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
2010into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
2011(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
2012use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
2013Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
2014Glib event loop).
2015
2016Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1334in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 2017and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1335pseudo-code only of course: 2018is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
2019priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
2020the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1336 2021
1337 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2022 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1338 static ev_timer tw; 2023 static ev_timer tw;
1339 2024
1340 static void 2025 static void
1341 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2026 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1342 { 2027 {
1343 // set the relevant poll flags
1344 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1345 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1346 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1347 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1348 } 2028 }
1349 2029
1350 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2030 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1351 static void 2031 static void
1352 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2032 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1353 { 2033 {
1354 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2034 int timeout = 3600000;
2035 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1355 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2036 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1356 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2037 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1357 2038
1358 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2039 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1359 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2040 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1360 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2041 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1361 2042
1362 // create on ev_io per pollfd 2043 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1363 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2044 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1364 { 2045 {
1365 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2046 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1366 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2047 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1367 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2048 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1368 2049
1369 fds [i].revents = 0; 2050 fds [i].revents = 0;
1370 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1371 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2051 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1372 } 2052 }
1373 } 2053 }
1374 2054
1375 // stop all watchers after blocking 2055 // stop all watchers after blocking
1376 static void 2056 static void
1377 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2057 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1378 { 2058 {
1379 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2059 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1380 2060
1381 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2061 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2062 {
2063 // set the relevant poll flags
2064 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
2065 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
2066 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
2067 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
2068 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
2069
2070 // now stop the watcher
1382 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2071 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
2072 }
1383 2073
1384 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2074 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1385 } 2075 }
2076
2077Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
2078in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
2079
2080Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
2081notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
2082callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
2083
2084 static void
2085 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2086 {
2087 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2088 update_now (EV_A);
2089
2090 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2091 }
2092
2093 static void
2094 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2095 {
2096 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2097 update_now (EV_A);
2098
2099 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2100 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2101 }
2102
2103 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2104
2105Method 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
2107their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2108loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2109this.
2110
2111 static gint
2112 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2113 {
2114 int got_events = 0;
2115
2116 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2117 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2118
2119 if (timeout >= 0)
2120 // create/start timer
2121
2122 // poll
2123 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2124
2125 // stop timer again
2126 if (timeout >= 0)
2127 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2128
2129 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2130 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2131 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2132
2133 return got_events;
2134 }
1386 2135
1387 2136
1388=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2137=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1389 2138
1390This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2139This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1432portable one. 2181portable one.
1433 2182
1434So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2183So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1435that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2184that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1436this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2185this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1437create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2186create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1438 2187
1439 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2188=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1441 struct ev_embed embed;
1442
1443 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1444 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1445 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1446 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1447 : 0;
1448
1449 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1450 if (loop_lo)
1451 {
1452 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1453 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1454 }
1455 else
1456 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1457 2189
1458=over 4 2190=over 4
1459 2191
1460=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2192=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1461 2193
1463 2195
1464Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2196Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1465embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2197embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1466invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2198invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1467to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2199to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1468if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2200if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1469 2201
1470=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2202=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1471 2203
1472Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2204Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1473similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2205similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1474apropriate way for embedded loops. 2206appropriate way for embedded loops.
1475 2207
1476=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 2208=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1477 2209
1478The embedded event loop. 2210The embedded event loop.
1479 2211
1480=back 2212=back
2213
2214=head3 Examples
2215
2216Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2217event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2218loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2219C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2220used).
2221
2222 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2223 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2224 struct ev_embed embed;
2225
2226 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2227 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2228 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2229 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2230 : 0;
2231
2232 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2233 if (loop_lo)
2234 {
2235 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2236 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2237 }
2238 else
2239 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2240
2241Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2242a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2243kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2244C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2245
2246 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2247 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2248 struct ev_embed embed;
2249
2250 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2251 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2252 {
2253 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2254 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2255 }
2256
2257 if (!loop_socket)
2258 loop_socket = loop;
2259
2260 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1481 2261
1482 2262
1483=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2263=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1484 2264
1485Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2265Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1488event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2268event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1489and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2269and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1490C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2270C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1491handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2271handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1492 2272
2273=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2274
1493=over 4 2275=over 4
1494 2276
1495=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2277=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1496 2278
1497Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2279Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1498kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2280kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1499believe me. 2281believe me.
2282
2283=back
2284
2285
2286=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2287
2288In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2289asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2290loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2291
2292Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2293control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2294C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2295can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2296safe.
2297
2298This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2299too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2300(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2301C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2302
2303Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2304just the default loop.
2305
2306=head3 Queueing
2307
2308C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2309is 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
2311need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2312
2313That 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
2315queue:
2316
2317=over 4
2318
2319=item queueing from a signal handler context
2320
2321To 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
2323some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2324
2325 static ev_async mysig;
2326
2327 static void
2328 sigusr1_handler (void)
2329 {
2330 sometype data;
2331
2332 // no locking etc.
2333 queue_put (data);
2334 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2335 }
2336
2337 static void
2338 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2339 {
2340 sometype data;
2341 sigset_t block, prev;
2342
2343 sigemptyset (&block);
2344 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2345 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2346
2347 while (queue_get (&data))
2348 process (data);
2349
2350 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2351 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2352 }
2353
2354(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2355instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2356either...).
2357
2358=item queueing from a thread context
2359
2360The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2361threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2362employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2363
2364 static ev_async mysig;
2365 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2366
2367 static void
2368 otherthread (void)
2369 {
2370 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2371 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2372 queue_put (data);
2373 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2374
2375 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2376 }
2377
2378 static void
2379 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2380 {
2381 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2382
2383 while (queue_get (&data))
2384 process (data);
2385
2386 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2387 }
2388
2389=back
2390
2391
2392=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2393
2394=over 4
2395
2396=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2397
2398Initialises 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,
2400believe me.
2401
2402=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2403
2404Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2405an 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
2407similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2408section below on what exactly this means).
2409
2410This 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
2412calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2413
2414=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2415
2416Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2417watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2418event loop.
2419
2420C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2421the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2422it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2423quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2424
2425Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2426whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1500 2427
1501=back 2428=back
1502 2429
1503 2430
1504=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2431=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1515or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2442or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1516more watchers yourself. 2443more watchers yourself.
1517 2444
1518If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2445If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
1519is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2446is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
1520C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2447C<events> set will be created and started.
1521 2448
1522If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2449If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1523started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2450started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1524repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2451repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1525dubious value. 2452dubious value.
1527The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2454The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
1528passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2455passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
1529C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2456C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1530value passed to C<ev_once>: 2457value passed to C<ev_once>:
1531 2458
1532 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2459 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
1533 { 2460 {
1534 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2461 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
1535 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2462 /* doh, nothing entered */;
1536 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2463 else if (revents & EV_READ)
1537 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2464 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
1538 } 2465 }
1539 2466
1540 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2467 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1541 2468
1542=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2469=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1543 2470
1544Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2471Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1545had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2472had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1550Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2477Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1551the given events it. 2478the given events it.
1552 2479
1553=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2480=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1554 2481
1555Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2482Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1556loop!). 2483loop!).
1557 2484
1558=back 2485=back
1559 2486
1560 2487
1576 2503
1577=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2504=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1578will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2505will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1579is an ev_pri field. 2506is an ev_pri field.
1580 2507
2508=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2509first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2510
1581=item * Other members are not supported. 2511=item * Other members are not supported.
1582 2512
1583=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2513=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1584to use the libev header file and library. 2514to use the libev header file and library.
1585 2515
1586=back 2516=back
1587 2517
1588=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2518=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1589 2519
1590Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2520Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1591you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2521you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1592the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2522the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1593 2523
1594To use it, 2524To use it,
1595 2525
1596 #include <ev++.h> 2526 #include <ev++.h>
1597 2527
1598(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2528This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1599and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2529of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1600namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2530put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2531options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1601 2532
1602It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2533Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1603C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2534classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2535that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2536you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2537
2538Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2539used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2540need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2541types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2542it).
1604 2543
1605Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2544Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1606 2545
1607=over 4 2546=over 4
1608 2547
1624 2563
1625All of those classes have these methods: 2564All of those classes have these methods:
1626 2565
1627=over 4 2566=over 4
1628 2567
1629=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2568=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1630 2569
1631=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2570=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1632 2571
1633=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2572=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1634 2573
1635The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2574The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1636the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2575with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1637C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2576
1638before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2577The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1639automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2578C<set> method before starting it.
2579
2580It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2581method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2582
2583(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2584not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1640 2585
1641The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2586The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2587
2588=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2589
2590This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2591signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2592first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2593parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2594
2595This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2596the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2597callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2598your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2599thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2600
2601Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2602
2603 struct myclass
2604 {
2605 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2606 }
2607
2608 myclass obj;
2609 ev::io iow;
2610 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2611
2612=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2613
2614Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2615callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2616C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2617
2618The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2619
2620See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2621
2622Example:
2623
2624 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2625 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1642 2626
1643=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2627=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1644 2628
1645Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2629Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1646do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2630do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1647 2631
1648=item w->set ([args]) 2632=item w->set ([arguments])
1649 2633
1650Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2634Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
1651called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2635called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1652automatically stopped and restarted. 2636automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2637method.
1653 2638
1654=item w->start () 2639=item w->start ()
1655 2640
1656Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2641Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1657constructor already takes the loop. 2642constructor already stores the event loop.
1658 2643
1659=item w->stop () 2644=item w->stop ()
1660 2645
1661Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2646Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1662 2647
1663=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2648=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1664 2649
1665For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2650For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1666C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2651C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1667 2652
1668=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2653=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1669 2654
1670Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2655Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1671 2656
1672=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2657=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1673 2658
1674Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2659Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1675 2660
1676=back 2661=back
1677 2662
1678=back 2663=back
1679 2664
1680Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2665Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1681the constructor. 2666the constructor.
1682 2667
1683 class myclass 2668 class myclass
1684 { 2669 {
1685 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2670 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1686 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2671 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1687 2672
1688 myclass (); 2673 myclass (int fd)
1689 } 2674 {
2675 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2676 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1690 2677
1691 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1692 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1693 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1694 {
1695 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2678 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2679 }
1696 } 2680 };
2681
2682
2683=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2684
2685Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2686number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2687any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2688me a note.
2689
2690=over 4
2691
2692=item Perl
2693
2694The 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,
2696there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2697to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2698C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2699
2700It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2701L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2702
2703=item Python
2704
2705Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2706seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2707patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2708for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2709libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2710libev).
2711
2712=item Ruby
2713
2714Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2715of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2716more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2717L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2718
2719=item D
2720
2721Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2722be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2723
2724=back
1697 2725
1698 2726
1699=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2727=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1700 2728
1701Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2729Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
1702C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2730of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1703callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2731functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1704 2732
1705To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2733To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1706following macros are defined: 2734following macros are defined:
1707 2735
1708=over 4 2736=over 4
1711 2739
1712This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2740This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1713loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2741loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1714C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2742C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1715 2743
1716 ev_unref (EV_A); 2744 ev_unref (EV_A);
1717 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2745 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1718 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2746 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1719 2747
1720It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2748It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1721which is often provided by the following macro. 2749which is often provided by the following macro.
1722 2750
1723=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2751=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1724 2752
1725This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2753This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1726loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2754loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1727C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2755C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1728 2756
1729 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2757 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1730 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2758 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1731 2759
1732 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2760 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1733 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2761 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1734 2762
1735It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2763It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1736suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2764suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1737 2765
1738=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2766=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1739 2767
1740Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2768Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1741loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2769loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1742 2770
2771=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2772
2773Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2774default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2775is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2776execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2777
2778It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2779watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2780
1743=back 2781=back
1744 2782
1745Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2783Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1746wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2784macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2785or not.
1747 2786
1748 static void 2787 static void
1749 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2788 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1750 { 2789 {
1751 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2790 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1752 } 2791 }
1753 2792
1754 ev_check check; 2793 ev_check check;
1755 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2794 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1756 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2795 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1757 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2796 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1758
1759 2797
1760=head1 EMBEDDING 2798=head1 EMBEDDING
1761 2799
1762Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2800Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1763applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2801applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1764Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2802Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1765and rxvt-unicode. 2803and rxvt-unicode.
1766 2804
1767The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2805The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1768source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2806source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1769you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2807you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1770libev somewhere in your source tree). 2808libev somewhere in your source tree).
1771 2809
1772=head2 FILESETS 2810=head2 FILESETS
1773 2811
1774Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2812Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1775in your app. 2813in your application.
1776 2814
1777=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2815=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1778 2816
1779To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2817To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1780configuration (no autoconf): 2818configuration (no autoconf):
1781 2819
1782 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2820 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1783 #include "ev.c" 2821 #include "ev.c"
1784 2822
1785This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2823This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1786single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2824single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1787it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2825it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1788done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2826done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1789where you can put other configuration options): 2827where you can put other configuration options):
1790 2828
1791 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2829 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1792 #include "ev.h" 2830 #include "ev.h"
1793 2831
1794Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2832Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1795compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2833compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1796as a bug). 2834as a bug).
1797 2835
1798You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2836You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1799in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2837in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1800 2838
1801 ev.h 2839 ev.h
1802 ev.c 2840 ev.c
1803 ev_vars.h 2841 ev_vars.h
1804 ev_wrap.h 2842 ev_wrap.h
1805 2843
1806 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2844 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1807 2845
1808 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2846 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1809 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2847 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1810 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2848 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1811 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2849 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1812 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2850 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1813 2851
1814F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2852F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1815to compile this single file. 2853to compile this single file.
1816 2854
1817=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2855=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1818 2856
1819To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2857To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1820 2858
1821 #include "event.c" 2859 #include "event.c"
1822 2860
1823in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2861in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1824 2862
1825 #include "event.h" 2863 #include "event.h"
1826 2864
1827in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2865in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1828 2866
1829You need the following additional files for this: 2867You need the following additional files for this:
1830 2868
1831 event.h 2869 event.h
1832 event.c 2870 event.c
1833 2871
1834=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2872=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1835 2873
1836Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2874Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
1837whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2875whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1838F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2876F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1839include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2877include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1840 2878
1841For this of course you need the m4 file: 2879For this of course you need the m4 file:
1842 2880
1843 libev.m4 2881 libev.m4
1844 2882
1845=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2883=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1846 2884
1847Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2885Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
1848before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2886define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
1849and only include the select backend. 2887autoconf is noted for every option.
1850 2888
1851=over 4 2889=over 4
1852 2890
1853=item EV_STANDALONE 2891=item EV_STANDALONE
1854 2892
1859F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2897F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1860 2898
1861=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2899=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1862 2900
1863If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2901If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1864monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2902monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
1865of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2903of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1866usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2904usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1867the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2905the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1868to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2906to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1869function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2907function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1870 2908
1871=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2909=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1872 2910
1873If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2911If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1874realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2912real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
1875runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2913runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
1876be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2914be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1877(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2915(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1878in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2916note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2917
2918=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2919
2920If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2921and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2922
2923=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2924
2925If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2926available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2927C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2928If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
29292.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1879 2930
1880=item EV_USE_SELECT 2931=item EV_USE_SELECT
1881 2932
1882If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2933If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1883C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2934C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
1884other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2935other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
1885will not be compiled in. 2936will not be compiled in.
1886 2937
1887=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2938=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
1888 2939
1889If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2940If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
1890structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2941structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
1891C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2942C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
1892exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2943exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
1893low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2944low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
1894allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2945allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
1895influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2946influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
1896 2947
1902be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2953be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1903C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2954C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1904it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2955it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1905on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2956on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1906 2957
2958=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2959
2960If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2961file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2962default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2963correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2964in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2965
1907=item EV_USE_POLL 2966=item EV_USE_POLL
1908 2967
1909If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2968If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1910backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2969backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1911takes precedence over select. 2970takes precedence over select.
1912 2971
1913=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2972=item EV_USE_EPOLL
1914 2973
1915If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2974If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
1916C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2975C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1917otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2976otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1918preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2977backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2978headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1919 2979
1920=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2980=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
1921 2981
1922If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2982If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
1923C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2983C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
1936otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2996otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1937backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2997backend for Solaris 10 systems.
1938 2998
1939=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2999=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1940 3000
1941reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3001Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
3002
3003=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
3004
3005If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3006interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3007be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3008indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3009
3010=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3011
3012Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3013access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3014type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3015that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3016as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3017
3018In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3019(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
1942 3020
1943=item EV_H 3021=item EV_H
1944 3022
1945The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3023The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1946undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 3024undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1947can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3025used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1948 3026
1949=item EV_CONFIG_H 3027=item EV_CONFIG_H
1950 3028
1951If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3029If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1952F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3030F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1953C<EV_H>, above. 3031C<EV_H>, above.
1954 3032
1955=item EV_EVENT_H 3033=item EV_EVENT_H
1956 3034
1957Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3035Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1958of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 3036of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1959 3037
1960=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3038=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1961 3039
1962If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3040If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
1963prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3041prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
1970will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 3048will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1971additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 3049additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1972for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 3050for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1973argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 3051argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1974 3052
3053=item EV_MINPRI
3054
3055=item EV_MAXPRI
3056
3057The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3058C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
3059provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
3060to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
3061
3062When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3063all 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
3065fine.
3066
3067If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
3068C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3069
1975=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3070=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1976 3071
1977If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3072If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1978defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3073defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1979code. 3074code.
1980 3075
3076=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
3077
3078If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3079defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3080code.
3081
1981=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3082=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1982 3083
1983If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3084If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1984defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3085defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1985 3086
1991=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3092=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
1992 3093
1993If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3094If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
1994defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3095defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1995 3096
3097=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3098
3099If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3100defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3101
1996=item EV_MINIMAL 3102=item EV_MINIMAL
1997 3103
1998If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3104If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1999speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3105speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2000some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3106inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3107much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
3108
3109=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3110
3111C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3112pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
3113than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
3114increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3115
3116=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3117
3118C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3119inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
3120usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
3121watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
3122two).
3123
3124=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3125
3126Heaps 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
3128to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3129noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3130
3131The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3132(disabled).
3133
3134=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3135
3136Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3137timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3138the 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,
3140but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3141noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3142
3143The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3144(disabled).
3145
3146=item EV_VERIFY
3147
3148Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3149be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3150in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3151called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3152called 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
3154libev considerably.
3155
3156The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3157C<0.>
2001 3158
2002=item EV_COMMON 3159=item EV_COMMON
2003 3160
2004By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3161By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2005this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3162this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2006members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3163members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2007though, and it must be identical each time. 3164though, and it must be identical each time.
2008 3165
2009For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3166For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2010 3167
2011 #define EV_COMMON \ 3168 #define EV_COMMON \
2012 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3169 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2013 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3170 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2014 3171
2015=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3172=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2016 3173
2017=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3174=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2018 3175
2019=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3176=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2020 3177
2021Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3178Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2022and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3179and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2023definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3180definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2024their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3181their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2025avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3182avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2026method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3183method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3184
3185=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3186
3187If 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
3189all public symbols, one per line:
3190
3191 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3192 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3193
3194This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3195multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3196itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3197
3198A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3199include before including F<ev.h>:
3200
3201 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3202
3203This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3204
3205 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3206 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3207 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3208 ...
2027 3209
2028=head2 EXAMPLES 3210=head2 EXAMPLES
2029 3211
2030For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3212For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2031verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3213verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2034interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 3216interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2035will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 3217will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2036file. 3218file.
2037 3219
2038The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3220The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2039that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 3221that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2040 3222
3223 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2041 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3224 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2042 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3225 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2043 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 3226 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3227 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3228 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2044 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3229 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3230 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3231 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2045 3232
2046 #include "ev++.h" 3233 #include "ev++.h"
2047 3234
2048And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3235And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2049 3236
2050 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3237 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2051 #include "ev.c" 3238 #include "ev.c"
3239
3240
3241=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3242
3243=head2 THREADS
3244
3245Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3246means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3247only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3248parameter.
3249
3250Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3251parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3252done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3253thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3254per loop).
3255
3256If 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
3258help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3259
3260=over 4
3261
3262=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.
3264
3265This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3266themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3267
3268=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3269
3270Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3271exists, but it is always a good start.
3272
3273=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3274loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3275
3276Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3277better than you currently do :-)
3278
3279=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3280event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3281threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3282
3283=back
3284
3285=head2 COROUTINES
3286
3287Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3288libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3289coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3290different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3291loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3292you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3293
3294Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3295state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3296switches.
2052 3297
2053 3298
2054=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3299=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2055 3300
2056In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3301In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2057libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3302libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2058documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3303documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2059 3304
3305All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3306extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3307happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3308mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3309it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3310
2060=over 4 3311=over 4
2061 3312
2062=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3313=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2063 3314
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
2064=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3319=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2065 3320
3321That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3322as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3323
2066=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3324=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2067 3325
3326These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3327
2068=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3328=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2069 3329
2070=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 3330=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2071 3331
3332These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3333correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3334have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3335
2072=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3336=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3337
3338By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3339fixed position in the storage array.
2073 3340
2074=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3341=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2075 3342
2076=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3343A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3344libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3345on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3346
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.
2077 3365
2078=back 3366=back
2079 3367
2080 3368
3369=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3370
3371Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3372requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3373model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3374the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3375descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3376e.g. cygwin.
3377
3378Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3379re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3380things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3381way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3382
3383There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3384embedding it into other applications.
3385
3386Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3387accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3388either 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
3390megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3391available).
3392
3393Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3394the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3395is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3396more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3397different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3398notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3399(Microsoft monopoly games).
3400
3401A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3402section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3403of F<ev.h>:
3404
3405 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3406 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3407
3408 #include "ev.h"
3409
3410And 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!):
3412
3413 #include "evwrap.h"
3414 #include "ev.c"
3415
3416=over 4
3417
3418=item The winsocket select function
3419
3420The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3421requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3422also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3423requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3424C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3425discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3426C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3427
3428The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3429libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3430
3431 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3432 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3433
3434Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3435complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3436
3437=item Limited number of file descriptors
3438
3439Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3440
3441Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3442of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3443can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3444recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3445previous thread in each. Great).
3446
3447Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3448to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3449call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3450select emulation on windows).
3451
3452Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3453libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3454or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3455C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3456arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3457libraries.
3458
3459This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3460windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3461wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3462calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3463
3464=back
3465
3466
3467=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3468
3469In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3470additional extensions:
3471
3472=over 4
3473
3474=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3475calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3476
3477Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3478structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3479assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3480callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3481calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3482
3483=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3484
3485The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3486C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3487threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3488believed to be sufficiently portable.
3489
3490=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3491
3492Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3493allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3494pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3495thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3496be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3497C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3498
3499The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3500except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3501well.
3502
3503=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3504
3505To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3506internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3507non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3508is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3509millions of watchers.
3510
3511=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3512
3513The 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
3515enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3516implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3517
3518=back
3519
3520If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3521
3522
3523=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3524
3525Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3526lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3527scared by this.
3528
3529However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3530has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3531warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3532targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3533
3534Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3535workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3536maintainable.
3537
3538And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3539wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3540seems to warn about).
3541
3542While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3543"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3544with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3545them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3546warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3547
3548
3549=head1 VALGRIND
3550
3551Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3552highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3553
3554If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3555in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3556
3557 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3558 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3559 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3560
3561Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
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
3565If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3566with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3567a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3568no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3569properly.
3570
3571If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3572I suggest using suppression lists.
3573
3574
2081=head1 AUTHOR 3575=head1 AUTHOR
2082 3576
2083Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3577Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2084 3578

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines