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Revision 1.131 by root, Tue Feb 19 17:09:28 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.183 by root, Tue Sep 23 08:37:38 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
245 284
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252
253=over 4 285=over 4
254 286
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 288
257This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 289This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 293
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 295function.
264 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
271 307
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
283 319
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 321
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 327around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
298 334
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 341
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 344flag.
309 345
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 347environment variable.
312 348
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 350
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 356
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
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).
327 367
328=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)
329 369
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips. 375performance tips.
336 376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379
337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338 381
339For 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,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup. 388support for dup.
346 389
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
352 395
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354need 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
355(or space) is available. 398(or space) is available.
356 399
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead.
360 405
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 407all kernel versions tested so far.
363 408
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 413
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
372system like NetBSD.
373 420
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 424
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 431
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 432This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 433
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
392sockets. 439using it only for sockets.
440
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>.
393 444
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 445=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 446
396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 447This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 448implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 453
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 454This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 455it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 456
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 457Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 458notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 459blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 460
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 461While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 462file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 463descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 464might perform better.
414 465
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends.
470
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418 473
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 475
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 476Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 477with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 479
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 481
427=back 482=back
428 483
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 484If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 485backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 487
433The most typical usage is like this: 488Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 489
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 490 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 492
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 493Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 494environment settings to be taken into account:
440 495
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 496 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 497
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 498Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 499used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 500private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
501fds):
446 502
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 503 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 504
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 505=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 506
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 507Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 508always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 509handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 510undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 511
512Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
513libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
514default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
515
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 516Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 517
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 518 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 519 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 520 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 521
462=item ev_default_destroy () 522=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 523
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 524Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 525etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 526sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 530for example).
471 531
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
504 564
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 565=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 566
507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 567Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 568C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 569after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
570entirely your own problem.
510 571
511=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 572=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
512 573
513Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 574Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
575otherwise.
514 576
515=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 577=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
516 578
517Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 579Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
518the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 580the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
533received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 595received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
534change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 596change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
535time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 597time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
536event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 598event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
537 599
600=item ev_now_update (loop)
601
602Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
603returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
604is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
605
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
607very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea.
609
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
611
538=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
539 613
540Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
541after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
542events. 616events.
544If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
545either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 619either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
546 620
547Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
548relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 622relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
549finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 623finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
550automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 624that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
551relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 625of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
626beauty.
552 627
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 628A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
554those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 629those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
555case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 630process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
631the loop.
556 632
557A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
558neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
559your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
560one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
561external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop.
639
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
562libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 642own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
563usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 643usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
564 644
565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 645Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
566 646
567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 647 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 648 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 649 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 650 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
571 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 651 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
652 as to not disturb the other process.
572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 653 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
573 - Update the "event loop time". 654 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 655 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 656 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 657 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 658 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
578 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 659 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 660 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
581 - Queue all outstanding timers. 662 - Queue all expired timers.
582 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 663 - Queue all expired periodics.
583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 664 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
584 - Queue all check watchers. 665 - Queue all check watchers.
585 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 666 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
586 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 667 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 668 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
588 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 669 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
593anymore. 674anymore.
594 675
595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 676 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
596 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 677 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 678 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
598 ... jobs done. yeah! 679 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
599 680
600=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 681=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
601 682
602Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 683Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 684has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
610 691
611=item ev_unref (loop) 692=item ev_unref (loop)
612 693
613Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 694Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
614loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 695loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
615count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 696count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
697
616a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 698If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
617returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 699from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
700stopping it.
701
618example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 702As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
619visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 703not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
620no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 704if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
621way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 705way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
622libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 706libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
623(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 707(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
624respectively). 708respectively).
625 709
626Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 710Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
627running when nothing else is active. 711running when nothing else is active.
628 712
629 struct ev_signal exitsig; 713 struct ev_signal exitsig;
630 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 714 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
631 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 715 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
632 evf_unref (loop); 716 evf_unref (loop);
633 717
634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 718Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
635 719
636 ev_ref (loop); 720 ev_ref (loop);
637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 721 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638 722
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 723=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640 724
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 725=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642 726
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 727These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 728for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 729will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
730latency.
646 731
647Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 732Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
648allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 733allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
649increase efficiency of loop iterations. 734to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
735opportunities).
650 736
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 737The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
652handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 738one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
653the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 739program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
654events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 740events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
655overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 741overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
656 742
657By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 743By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
658time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 744time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
660C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 746C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
661introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 747introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
662 748
663Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 749Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 750to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 751latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
666will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 752later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
667any overhead in libev. 753value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
668 754
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 755Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 756interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 757interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 758usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 759as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
760
761Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
762saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
763are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
764times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
765reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
766they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
767
768=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
769
770This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
771compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
772through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
773is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
774error and call C<abort ()>.
775
776This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
777circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
778data structures consistent.
674 779
675=back 780=back
676 781
677 782
678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 783=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
679 784
680A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 785A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
681interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 786interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
682become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 787become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
683 788
684 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 789 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
685 { 790 {
686 ev_io_stop (w); 791 ev_io_stop (w);
687 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 792 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
688 } 793 }
689 794
690 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 795 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
691 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 796 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
692 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 797 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
693 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 798 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
694 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 799 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
695 ev_loop (loop, 0); 800 ev_loop (loop, 0);
696 801
697As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 802As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
698watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 803watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
699although this can sometimes be quite valid). 804although this can sometimes be quite valid).
700 805
701Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 806Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
702(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 807(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
703callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 808callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
704watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 809watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
705is readable and/or writable). 810is readable and/or writable).
706 811
707Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 812Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
708with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 813with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
784 889
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 890The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786 891
787=item C<EV_ERROR> 892=item C<EV_ERROR>
788 893
789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 894An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 895happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
791ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 896ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
792problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 897problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
793with the watcher being stopped. 898with the watcher being stopped.
794 899
795Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 900Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
796for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 901example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
797your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 902callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
798with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 903the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
799programs, though, so beware. 904programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
905thing, so beware.
800 906
801=back 907=back
802 908
803=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 909=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
804 910
820(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 926(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
821 927
822The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 928The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
823int revents)>. 929int revents)>.
824 930
931Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
932
933 ev_io w;
934 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
935 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
936
825=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 937=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
826 938
827This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 939This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
828call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 940call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
829call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 941call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
831difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 943difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
832 944
833Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 945Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
834(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 946(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
835 947
948See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
949
836=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 950=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
837 951
838This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 952This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
839calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 953calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
840a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 954a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
955
956Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
957
958 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
841 959
842=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 960=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
843 961
844Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 962Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
845events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 963events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
964
965Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
966whole section.
967
968 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
846 969
847=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
848 971
849Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
850status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
907 1030
908=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1031=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
909 1032
910Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1033Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
911C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1034C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
912can deal with that fact. 1035can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1036callback.
913 1037
914=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1038=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
915 1039
916If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1040If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
917and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1041returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
918watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1042watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
919 1043
1044Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1045callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1046
920=back 1047=back
921 1048
922 1049
923=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1050=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
924 1051
925Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1052Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
926and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1053and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
927to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1054to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
928don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1055don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
929member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1056member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
930data: 1057data:
931 1058
932 struct my_io 1059 struct my_io
933 { 1060 {
934 struct ev_io io; 1061 struct ev_io io;
935 int otherfd; 1062 int otherfd;
936 void *somedata; 1063 void *somedata;
937 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1064 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
938 } 1065 };
1066
1067 ...
1068 struct my_io w;
1069 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
939 1070
940And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1071And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
941can cast it back to your own type: 1072can cast it back to your own type:
942 1073
943 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1074 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
944 { 1075 {
945 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1076 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
946 ... 1077 ...
947 } 1078 }
948 1079
949More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1080More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
950instead have been omitted. 1081instead have been omitted.
951 1082
952Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1083Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
953watchers: 1084embedded watchers:
954 1085
955 struct my_biggy 1086 struct my_biggy
956 { 1087 {
957 int some_data; 1088 int some_data;
958 ev_timer t1; 1089 ev_timer t1;
959 ev_timer t2; 1090 ev_timer t2;
960 } 1091 }
961 1092
962In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1093In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
963you need to use C<offsetof>: 1094complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1095in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1096some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1097programmers):
964 1098
965 #include <stddef.h> 1099 #include <stddef.h>
966 1100
967 static void 1101 static void
968 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1102 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
969 { 1103 {
970 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1104 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
971 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1105 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
972 } 1106 }
973 1107
974 static void 1108 static void
975 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1109 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
976 { 1110 {
977 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1111 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
978 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1112 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
979 } 1113 }
980 1114
981 1115
982=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1116=head1 WATCHER TYPES
983 1117
984This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1118This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1008In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1142In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1009fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1143fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1010descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1144descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1011required if you know what you are doing). 1145required if you know what you are doing).
1012 1146
1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1147If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1148known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1149C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1016 1150
1017Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1151Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1018receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1152receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1019be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1153be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1020because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1154because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1021lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1155lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1022this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1156this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1023it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1157it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1024C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1158C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1025 1159
1026If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1160If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1027play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1161not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1028whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1162re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1029such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1163interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1030its own, so its quite safe to use). 1164does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1165use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1166indefinitely.
1167
1168But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1031 1169
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1170=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1033 1171
1034Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1172Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1035descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1173descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1036such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1174such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1037descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1175descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1038this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1176this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1039registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1177registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1040fact, a different file descriptor. 1178fact, a different file descriptor.
1041 1179
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1208To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1209C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1210enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1211C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074 1212
1213=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1214
1215While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1216when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1217sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1218this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1219
1220So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1221ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1222somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1223
1075 1224
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1225=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1077 1226
1078=over 4 1227=over 4
1079 1228
1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1229=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1081 1230
1082=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1231=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1083 1232
1084Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1233Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1085rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1234receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1086C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1235C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1087 1236
1088=item int fd [read-only] 1237=item int fd [read-only]
1089 1238
1090The file descriptor being watched. 1239The file descriptor being watched.
1091 1240
1099 1248
1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1249Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1250readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1251attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1103 1252
1104 static void 1253 static void
1105 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1254 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1106 { 1255 {
1107 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1256 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1108 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1257 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1109 } 1258 }
1110 1259
1111 ... 1260 ...
1112 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1261 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1113 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1262 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1114 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1263 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1115 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1264 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1116 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1265 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1117 1266
1118 1267
1119=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1268=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1120 1269
1121Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1270Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1122given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1271given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1123 1272
1124The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1273The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1125times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1274times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1126time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1275year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1127detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1276detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1128monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1277monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1278
1279The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1280passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1281then order of execution is undefined.
1282
1283=head3 The special problem of time updates
1284
1285Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1286least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1287time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1288growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1289lots of events in one iteration.
1129 1290
1130The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1291The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1131time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1292time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1132of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1293of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1133you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1294you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1134on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1295timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1135 1296
1136 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1297 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1137 1298
1138The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1299If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1139but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1300update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1140order of execution is undefined. 1301()>.
1141 1302
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1303=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143 1304
1144=over 4 1305=over 4
1145 1306
1146=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1307=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1147 1308
1148=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1309=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1149 1310
1150Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1311Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1151C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1312is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1152timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1313reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1153later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1314configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1315until stopped manually.
1154 1316
1155The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1317The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1318you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1319trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1320keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1321do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1160 1322
1161=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1323=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1162 1324
1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1325This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1164repeating. The exact semantics are: 1326repeating. The exact semantics are:
1165 1327
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1328If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167 1329
1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1330If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1169 1331
1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1332If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1171C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1333C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1172 1334
1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1335This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1174example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1336example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1175timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1337timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1176seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1338seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1177configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1339configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1178C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1340C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1179you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1341you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1193 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1355 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1194 1356
1195This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1357This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1196you want to modify its timeout value. 1358you want to modify its timeout value.
1197 1359
1360Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the
1361time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the
1362callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1363some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1364timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1365
1198=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1366=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1199 1367
1200The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1368The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1201or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1369or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1202which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1370which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1203 1371
1204=back 1372=back
1205 1373
1206=head3 Examples 1374=head3 Examples
1207 1375
1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1376Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1209 1377
1210 static void 1378 static void
1211 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1379 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1212 { 1380 {
1213 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1381 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1214 } 1382 }
1215 1383
1216 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1384 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1217 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1385 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1218 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1386 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1219 1387
1220Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1388Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1221inactivity. 1389inactivity.
1222 1390
1223 static void 1391 static void
1224 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1392 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1225 { 1393 {
1226 .. ten seconds without any activity 1394 .. ten seconds without any activity
1227 } 1395 }
1228 1396
1229 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1397 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1230 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1398 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1231 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1399 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1232 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1400 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1233 1401
1234 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1402 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1235 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1403 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1236 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1404 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1237 1405
1238 1406
1239=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1407=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1240 1408
1241Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1409Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1242(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1410(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1243 1411
1244Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1412Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1245but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1413but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1246to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1414to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1247periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1415periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1248+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1416+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1417clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1249take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1418to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1250roughly 10 seconds later). 1419roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1251 1420
1252They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1421C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1422such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1254rules. 1423complicated rules.
1255 1424
1256As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1425As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1426time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1427during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1259 1428
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261 1430
1262=over 4 1431=over 4
1263 1432
1264=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1433=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1265 1434
1266=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1435=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1267 1436
1268Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1437Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1269operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1438operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1270 1439
1271=over 4 1440=over 4
1272 1441
1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1442=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1274 1443
1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1444In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1445time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1446jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1278system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1447only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1279 1448
1280=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1449=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1281 1450
1282In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1451In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1452C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1453and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1285 1454
1286This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1455This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1287time: 1456system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1457hour, on the hour:
1288 1458
1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1459 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1290 1460
1291This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1461This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1292but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1462but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1293full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1463full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1294by 3600. 1464by 3600.
1295 1465
1296Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1466Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1297C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1467C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1468time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1299 1469
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1470For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1471C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value. 1472this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1473
1474Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1475speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1476will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1477millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1303 1478
1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1479=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1305 1480
1306In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1481In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1482ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1483reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1309current time as second argument. 1484current time as second argument.
1310 1485
1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1486NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1312ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1487ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1315 1488
1489If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1490it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1491only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1492
1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1493The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1494*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1318 1495
1319 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1496 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1320 { 1497 {
1321 return now + 60.; 1498 return now + 60.;
1322 } 1499 }
1324It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1501It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1325(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1502(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1326will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1503will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1327might be called at other times, too. 1504might be called at other times, too.
1328 1505
1329NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1506NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1330passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1507equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1331 1508
1332This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1509This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1333triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1510triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1334next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1511next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1335you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1512you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1336reason I omitted it as an example). 1513reason I omitted it as an example).
1337 1514
1338=back 1515=back
1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1519Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1343when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1520when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1521a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1345program when the crontabs have changed). 1522program when the crontabs have changed).
1346 1523
1524=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1525
1526When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1527trigger next.
1528
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1529=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348 1530
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1531When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1532absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351 1533
1362 1544
1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1545The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1364switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1546switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1547the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1366 1548
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1372=back 1549=back
1373 1550
1374=head3 Examples 1551=head3 Examples
1375 1552
1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1553Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1554system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1555potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1379 1556
1380 static void 1557 static void
1381 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1558 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1559 {
1383 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1560 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1384 } 1561 }
1385 1562
1386 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1563 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1387 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1564 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1388 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1565 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1389 1566
1390Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1567Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1391 1568
1392 #include <math.h> 1569 #include <math.h>
1393 1570
1394 static ev_tstamp 1571 static ev_tstamp
1395 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1572 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1396 { 1573 {
1397 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1574 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1398 } 1575 }
1399 1576
1400 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1577 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1401 1578
1402Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1579Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1403 1580
1404 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1581 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1405 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1582 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1406 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1583 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1407 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1584 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1408 1585
1409 1586
1410=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1587=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1411 1588
1412Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1589Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1413signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1590signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1414will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1591will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1415normal event processing, like any other event. 1592normal event processing, like any other event.
1416 1593
1594If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1595do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1596C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1597
1417You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1598You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1418first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1599first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1419with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1600with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1420as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1601you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1421watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1602the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1603signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1604
1605If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1606C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1607interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1608signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1609them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1423 1610
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1611=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425 1612
1426=over 4 1613=over 4
1427 1614
1436 1623
1437The signal the watcher watches out for. 1624The signal the watcher watches out for.
1438 1625
1439=back 1626=back
1440 1627
1628=head3 Examples
1629
1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1631
1632 static void
1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1634 {
1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1636 }
1637
1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1641
1441 1642
1442=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1443 1644
1444Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1645Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1445some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1646some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1647exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1648has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1649as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1650forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1651but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1652not.
1653
1654Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1655you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1656
1657=head3 Process Interaction
1658
1659Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1660initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1661the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1662of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1663synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1664children, even ones not watched.
1665
1666=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1667
1668Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1669processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1670handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1671C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1672default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1673event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1674that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1675
1676=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1677
1678Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1679child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1680callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1681when a child exit is detected.
1446 1682
1447=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1683=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1448 1684
1449=over 4 1685=over 4
1450 1686
1476 1712
1477=back 1713=back
1478 1714
1479=head3 Examples 1715=head3 Examples
1480 1716
1481Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1717Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1718its completion.
1482 1719
1720 ev_child cw;
1721
1483 static void 1722 static void
1484 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1723 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1485 { 1724 {
1486 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1725 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1726 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1487 } 1727 }
1488 1728
1489 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1729 pid_t pid = fork ();
1490 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1730
1491 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1731 if (pid < 0)
1732 // error
1733 else if (pid == 0)
1734 {
1735 // the forked child executes here
1736 exit (1);
1737 }
1738 else
1739 {
1740 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1741 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1742 }
1492 1743
1493 1744
1494=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1745=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1495 1746
1496This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1747This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1497C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1748C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1498compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1749compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1499 1750
1500The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1751The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1501not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1752not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1504the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1755the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1505 1756
1506The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1757The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1507relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1758relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1508 1759
1509Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1760Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1510calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1761implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1511can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1762it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1512a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1763this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1513unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1764then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1514five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1765you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1515impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1766dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1516usually overkill. 1767around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1517 1768
1518This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1769This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1519as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1770as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1520resource-intensive. 1771resource-intensive.
1521 1772
1522At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1773At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1523implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1774is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1524reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1775an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1525semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1776of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1526to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1527usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1528polling.
1529 1777
1530=head3 Inotify 1778=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1779
1780Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1781compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1782support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1783structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1784use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1785compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1786obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1787most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1788
1789The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1790file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1791optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1792to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1793default compilation environment.
1794
1795=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1531 1796
1532When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1533available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1798available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1534change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1535when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1536 1801
1537Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1538except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1803except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1539making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1540there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1805there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1806but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1541 1807
1542(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1808There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1543implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1809implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1544descriptor open on the object at all times). 1810descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1811etc. is difficult.
1545 1812
1546=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1813=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1547 1814
1548The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1815The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1549even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1816even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1550only support whole seconds. 1817only support whole seconds.
1551 1818
1552That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1819That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1553miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1820easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1554your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1821calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1555the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1822within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1823stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1556 1824
1557The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1825The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1558the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1826than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1559(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1827a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1560is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1828ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1561systems. 1829
1830The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1831of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1832might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1833C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1834a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1835update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1836the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1837the timer callback).
1562 1838
1563=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1839=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1564 1840
1565=over 4 1841=over 4
1566 1842
1572C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1848C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1573be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1849be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1574a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1850a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1575path for as long as the watcher is active. 1851path for as long as the watcher is active.
1576 1852
1577The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1853The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1578relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1854relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1579last change was detected). 1855last change was detected).
1580 1856
1581=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1857=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1582 1858
1583Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1859Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1584watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1860watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1585detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1861detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1586useful simply to find out the new values. 1862the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1863new values.
1587 1864
1588=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1865=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1589 1866
1590The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1867The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1591C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1868C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1592suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1869suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1870members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1593was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1871some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1594 1872
1595=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1873=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1596 1874
1597The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1875The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1598C<prev> != C<attr>. 1876C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1877differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1878C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1599 1879
1600=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1880=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1601 1881
1602The specified interval. 1882The specified interval.
1603 1883
1604=item const char *path [read-only] 1884=item const char *path [read-only]
1605 1885
1606The filesystem path that is being watched. 1886The file system path that is being watched.
1607 1887
1608=back 1888=back
1609 1889
1610=head3 Examples 1890=head3 Examples
1611 1891
1612Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1892Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1613 1893
1614 static void 1894 static void
1615 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1895 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1616 { 1896 {
1617 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1897 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1618 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1898 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1619 { 1899 {
1620 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1900 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1621 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1901 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1622 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1902 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1623 } 1903 }
1624 else 1904 else
1625 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1905 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1626 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1906 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1627 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1907 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1628 } 1908 }
1629 1909
1630 ... 1910 ...
1631 ev_stat passwd; 1911 ev_stat passwd;
1632 1912
1633 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1913 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1634 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1914 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1635 1915
1636Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1916Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1637miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1917miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1638one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1918one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1639C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1919C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1640 1920
1641 static ev_stat passwd; 1921 static ev_stat passwd;
1642 static ev_timer timer; 1922 static ev_timer timer;
1643 1923
1644 static void 1924 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1925 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 { 1926 {
1647 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1927 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1648 1928
1649 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1929 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1650 } 1930 }
1651 1931
1652 static void 1932 static void
1653 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1933 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1654 { 1934 {
1655 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1935 /* reset the one-second timer */
1656 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1936 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1657 } 1937 }
1658 1938
1659 ... 1939 ...
1660 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1940 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1661 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1941 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1662 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1942 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1663 1943
1664 1944
1665=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1945=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1666 1946
1667Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1947Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1668priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 1948priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1669count). 1949as receiving "events").
1670 1950
1671That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 1951That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1672(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 1952(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1673triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 1953triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1674are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 1954are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1698=head3 Examples 1978=head3 Examples
1699 1979
1700Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1980Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1701callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1981callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1702 1982
1703 static void 1983 static void
1704 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1984 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1705 { 1985 {
1706 free (w); 1986 free (w);
1707 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1987 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1708 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1988 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1709 } 1989 }
1710 1990
1711 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1991 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1712 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1992 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1713 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1993 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1714 1994
1715 1995
1716=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1996=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1717 1997
1718Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1998Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1719prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1999prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1720afterwards. 2000afterwards.
1721 2001
1722You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2002You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1723the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2003the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1726those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2006those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1727C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2007C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1728called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2008called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1729 2009
1730Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2010Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1731their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2011their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1732variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2012variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1733coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2013coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1734you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2014you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1735in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2015in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1736watcher). 2016watcher).
1737 2017
1738This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2018This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1739to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2019need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1740them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2020for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1741provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2021libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1742any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2022you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1743and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2023of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1744callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2024I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1745because you never know, you know?). 2025nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1746 2026
1747As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2027As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1748coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2028coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1749during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2029during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1750are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2030are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1753loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2033loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1754low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2034low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1755 2035
1756It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2036It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1757priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2037priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2038after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2039
1758after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2040Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1759too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2041activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1760supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2042might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1761did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2043C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1762(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2044loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1763state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2045C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1764coexist peacefully with others). 2046others).
1765 2047
1766=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2048=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1767 2049
1768=over 4 2050=over 4
1769 2051
1771 2053
1772=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2054=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1773 2055
1774Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2056Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1775parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2057parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1776macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2058macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2059pointless.
1777 2060
1778=back 2061=back
1779 2062
1780=head3 Examples 2063=head3 Examples
1781 2064
1782There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2065There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1783into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2066into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1784(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2067(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1785use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2068use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1786embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2069Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1787into the Glib event loop). 2070Glib event loop).
1788 2071
1789Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2072Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1790and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2073and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1791is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2074is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1792priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2075priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1793the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2076the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1794 2077
1795 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2078 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1796 static ev_timer tw; 2079 static ev_timer tw;
1797 2080
1798 static void 2081 static void
1799 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2082 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1800 { 2083 {
1801 } 2084 }
1802 2085
1803 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2086 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1804 static void 2087 static void
1805 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2088 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1806 { 2089 {
1807 int timeout = 3600000; 2090 int timeout = 3600000;
1808 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2091 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1809 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2092 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1810 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2093 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1811 2094
1812 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2095 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1813 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2096 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1814 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2097 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1815 2098
1816 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2099 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1817 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2100 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1818 { 2101 {
1819 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2102 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1820 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2103 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1821 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2104 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1822 2105
1823 fds [i].revents = 0; 2106 fds [i].revents = 0;
1824 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2107 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1825 } 2108 }
1826 } 2109 }
1827 2110
1828 // stop all watchers after blocking 2111 // stop all watchers after blocking
1829 static void 2112 static void
1830 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2113 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1831 { 2114 {
1832 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2115 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1833 2116
1834 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2117 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1835 { 2118 {
1836 // set the relevant poll flags 2119 // set the relevant poll flags
1837 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2120 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1838 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2121 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1839 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2122 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1840 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2123 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1841 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2124 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1842 2125
1843 // now stop the watcher 2126 // now stop the watcher
1844 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2127 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1845 } 2128 }
1846 2129
1847 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2130 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1848 } 2131 }
1849 2132
1850Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2133Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1851in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2134in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1852 2135
1853Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2136Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1854notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2137notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1855callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2138callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1856 2139
1857 static void 2140 static void
1858 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2141 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1859 { 2142 {
1860 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2143 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1861 update_now (EV_A); 2144 update_now (EV_A);
1862 2145
1863 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2146 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1864 } 2147 }
1865 2148
1866 static void 2149 static void
1867 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2150 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1868 { 2151 {
1869 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2152 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1870 update_now (EV_A); 2153 update_now (EV_A);
1871 2154
1872 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2155 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1873 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2156 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1874 } 2157 }
1875 2158
1876 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2159 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1877 2160
1878Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2161Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1879want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2162want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1880their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2163override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1881loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2164main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1882this. 2165this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2166libglib event loop.
1883 2167
1884 static gint 2168 static gint
1885 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2169 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1886 { 2170 {
1887 int got_events = 0; 2171 int got_events = 0;
1888 2172
1889 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2173 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1890 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2174 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1891 2175
1892 if (timeout >= 0) 2176 if (timeout >= 0)
1893 // create/start timer 2177 // create/start timer
1894 2178
1895 // poll 2179 // poll
1896 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2180 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1897 2181
1898 // stop timer again 2182 // stop timer again
1899 if (timeout >= 0) 2183 if (timeout >= 0)
1900 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2184 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1901 2185
1902 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2186 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1903 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2187 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1904 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2188 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1905 2189
1906 return got_events; 2190 return got_events;
1907 } 2191 }
1908 2192
1909 2193
1910=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2194=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1911 2195
1912This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2196This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1918prioritise I/O. 2202prioritise I/O.
1919 2203
1920As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2204As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1921sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2205sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1922still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2206still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1923so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2207so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1924into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2208it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1925be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2209will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1926at least you can use both at what they are best. 2210C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2211best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1927 2212
1928As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2213As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1929to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2214some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1930priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2215and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1931you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2216this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1932a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2217the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1933 2218
1934As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2219As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1935there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2220there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1936call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2221call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1937their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2222their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1945interested in that. 2230interested in that.
1946 2231
1947Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2232Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1948when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2233when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1949but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2234but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1950yourself. 2235yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2236and future versions of libev might do just that.
1951 2237
1952Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2238Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by
1953C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2239C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1954portable one. 2240portable one.
1955 2241
1968 2254
1969Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2255Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1970embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2256embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1971invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2257invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1972to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2258to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1973if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2259if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1974 2260
1975=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2261=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1976 2262
1977Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2263Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1978similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2264similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1979apropriate way for embedded loops. 2265appropriate way for embedded loops.
1980 2266
1981=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2267=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1982 2268
1983The embedded event loop. 2269The embedded event loop.
1984 2270
1986 2272
1987=head3 Examples 2273=head3 Examples
1988 2274
1989Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2275Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1990event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2276event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1991loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2277loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1992C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2278C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1993used). 2279used).
1994 2280
1995 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2281 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1996 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2282 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1997 struct ev_embed embed; 2283 struct ev_embed embed;
1998 2284
1999 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2285 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2000 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2286 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2001 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2287 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2002 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2288 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2003 : 0; 2289 : 0;
2004 2290
2005 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2291 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2006 if (loop_lo) 2292 if (loop_lo)
2007 { 2293 {
2008 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2294 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2009 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2295 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2010 } 2296 }
2011 else 2297 else
2012 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2298 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2013 2299
2014Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2300Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2015a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2301a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2016kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2302kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2017C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2303C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2018 2304
2019 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2305 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2020 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2306 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2021 struct ev_embed embed; 2307 struct ev_embed embed;
2022 2308
2023 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2309 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2024 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2310 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2025 { 2311 {
2026 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2312 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2027 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2313 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2028 } 2314 }
2029 2315
2030 if (!loop_socket) 2316 if (!loop_socket)
2031 loop_socket = loop; 2317 loop_socket = loop;
2032 2318
2033 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2319 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2034 2320
2035 2321
2036=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2322=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2037 2323
2038Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2324Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2091 2377
2092=item queueing from a signal handler context 2378=item queueing from a signal handler context
2093 2379
2094To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2380To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2095handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2381handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2096some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2382some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2097 2383
2098 static ev_async mysig; 2384 static ev_async mysig;
2099 2385
2100 static void 2386 static void
2101 sigusr1_handler (void) 2387 sigusr1_handler (void)
2102 { 2388 {
2103 sometype data; 2389 sometype data;
2104 2390
2105 // no locking etc. 2391 // no locking etc.
2106 queue_put (data); 2392 queue_put (data);
2107 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2393 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2108 } 2394 }
2109 2395
2110 static void 2396 static void
2111 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2397 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2112 { 2398 {
2143 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation 2429 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2144 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex); 2430 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2145 queue_put (data); 2431 queue_put (data);
2146 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex); 2432 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2147 2433
2148 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2434 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2149 } 2435 }
2150 2436
2151 static void 2437 static void
2152 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2438 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2153 { 2439 {
2175=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2461=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2176 2462
2177Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2463Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2178an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2464an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2179C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2465C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2180similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2466similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2181section below on what exactly this means). 2467section below on what exactly this means).
2182 2468
2183This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2469This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2184so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2470so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2185calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2471calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2472
2473=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2474
2475Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2476watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2477event loop.
2478
2479C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2480the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2481it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2482quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2483
2484Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2485whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2186 2486
2187=back 2487=back
2188 2488
2189 2489
2190=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2490=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2201or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2501or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2202more watchers yourself. 2502more watchers yourself.
2203 2503
2204If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2504If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2205is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2505is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2206C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2506C<events> set will be created and started.
2207 2507
2208If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2508If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2209started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2509started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2210repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2510repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2211dubious value. 2511dubious value.
2213The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2513The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2214passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2514passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2215C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2515C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2216value passed to C<ev_once>: 2516value passed to C<ev_once>:
2217 2517
2218 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2518 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2219 { 2519 {
2220 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2520 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2221 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2521 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2222 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2522 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2223 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2523 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2224 } 2524 }
2225 2525
2226 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2526 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2227 2527
2228=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2528=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2229 2529
2230Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2530Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2231had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2531had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2236Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2536Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2237the given events it. 2537the given events it.
2238 2538
2239=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2539=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2240 2540
2241Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2541Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2242loop!). 2542loop!).
2243 2543
2244=back 2544=back
2245 2545
2246 2546
2262 2562
2263=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2563=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2264will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2564will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2265is an ev_pri field. 2565is an ev_pri field.
2266 2566
2567=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2568first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2569
2267=item * Other members are not supported. 2570=item * Other members are not supported.
2268 2571
2269=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2572=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2270to use the libev header file and library. 2573to use the libev header file and library.
2271 2574
2272=back 2575=back
2273 2576
2274=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2577=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2275 2578
2276Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2579Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2277you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2580you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2278the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2581the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2279 2582
2280To use it, 2583To use it,
2281 2584
2282 #include <ev++.h> 2585 #include <ev++.h>
2283 2586
2284This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2587This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2285of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2588of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2286put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2589put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2287options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2590options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2354your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2657your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2355thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2658thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2356 2659
2357Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2660Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2358 2661
2359 struct myclass 2662 struct myclass
2360 { 2663 {
2361 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2664 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2362 } 2665 }
2363 2666
2364 myclass obj; 2667 myclass obj;
2365 ev::io iow; 2668 ev::io iow;
2366 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2669 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2367 2670
2368=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2671=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2369 2672
2370Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2673Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2371callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2674callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2375 2678
2376See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2679See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2377 2680
2378Example: 2681Example:
2379 2682
2380 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2683 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2381 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2684 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2382 2685
2383=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2686=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2384 2687
2385Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2688Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2386do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2689do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2387 2690
2388=item w->set ([args]) 2691=item w->set ([arguments])
2389 2692
2390Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2693Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2391called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2694called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2392automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2695automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2393method. 2696method.
2394 2697
2395=item w->start () 2698=item w->start ()
2419=back 2722=back
2420 2723
2421Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2724Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2422the constructor. 2725the constructor.
2423 2726
2424 class myclass 2727 class myclass
2425 { 2728 {
2426 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2729 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2427 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2730 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2428 2731
2429 myclass (int fd) 2732 myclass (int fd)
2430 { 2733 {
2431 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2734 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2432 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2735 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2433 2736
2434 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2737 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2435 } 2738 }
2436 }; 2739 };
2740
2741
2742=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2743
2744Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2745number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2746any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2747me a note.
2748
2749=over 4
2750
2751=item Perl
2752
2753The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2754libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2755there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2756to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2757C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2758
2759It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2760L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2761
2762=item Python
2763
2764Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2765seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2766patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2767for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2768libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2769libev).
2770
2771=item Ruby
2772
2773Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2774of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2775more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2776L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2777
2778=item D
2779
2780Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2781be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2782
2783=back
2437 2784
2438 2785
2439=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2786=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2440 2787
2441Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2788Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2442of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2789of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2443functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2790functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2444 2791
2445To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2792To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2446following macros are defined: 2793following macros are defined:
2451 2798
2452This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2799This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2453loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2800loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2454C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2801C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2455 2802
2456 ev_unref (EV_A); 2803 ev_unref (EV_A);
2457 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2804 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2458 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2805 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2459 2806
2460It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2807It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2461which is often provided by the following macro. 2808which is often provided by the following macro.
2462 2809
2463=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2810=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2464 2811
2465This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2812This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2466loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2813loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2467C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2814C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2468 2815
2469 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2816 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2470 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2817 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2471 2818
2472 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2819 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2473 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2820 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2474 2821
2475It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2822It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2476suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2823suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2477 2824
2478=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2825=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2479 2826
2480Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2827Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2481loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2828loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2829
2830=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2831
2832Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2833default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2834is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2835execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2836
2837It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2838watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2482 2839
2483=back 2840=back
2484 2841
2485Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2842Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2486macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2843macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2487or not. 2844or not.
2488 2845
2489 static void 2846 static void
2490 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2847 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2491 { 2848 {
2492 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2849 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2493 } 2850 }
2494 2851
2495 ev_check check; 2852 ev_check check;
2496 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2853 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2497 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2854 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2498 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2855 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2499 2856
2500=head1 EMBEDDING 2857=head1 EMBEDDING
2501 2858
2502Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2859Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2503applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2860applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2510libev somewhere in your source tree). 2867libev somewhere in your source tree).
2511 2868
2512=head2 FILESETS 2869=head2 FILESETS
2513 2870
2514Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2871Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2515in your app. 2872in your application.
2516 2873
2517=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2874=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2518 2875
2519To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2876To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2520configuration (no autoconf): 2877configuration (no autoconf):
2521 2878
2522 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2879 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2523 #include "ev.c" 2880 #include "ev.c"
2524 2881
2525This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2882This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2526single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2883single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2527it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2884it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2528done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2885done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2529where you can put other configuration options): 2886where you can put other configuration options):
2530 2887
2531 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2888 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2532 #include "ev.h" 2889 #include "ev.h"
2533 2890
2534Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2891Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2535compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2892compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2536as a bug). 2893as a bug).
2537 2894
2538You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2895You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2539in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2896in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2540 2897
2541 ev.h 2898 ev.h
2542 ev.c 2899 ev.c
2543 ev_vars.h 2900 ev_vars.h
2544 ev_wrap.h 2901 ev_wrap.h
2545 2902
2546 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2903 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2547 2904
2548 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2905 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2549 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2906 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2550 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2907 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2551 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2908 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2552 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2909 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2553 2910
2554F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2911F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2555to compile this single file. 2912to compile this single file.
2556 2913
2557=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2914=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2558 2915
2559To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2916To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2560 2917
2561 #include "event.c" 2918 #include "event.c"
2562 2919
2563in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2920in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2564 2921
2565 #include "event.h" 2922 #include "event.h"
2566 2923
2567in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2924in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2568 2925
2569You need the following additional files for this: 2926You need the following additional files for this:
2570 2927
2571 event.h 2928 event.h
2572 event.c 2929 event.c
2573 2930
2574=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2931=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2575 2932
2576Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2933Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2577whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2934whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2578F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2935F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2579include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2936include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2580 2937
2581For this of course you need the m4 file: 2938For this of course you need the m4 file:
2582 2939
2583 libev.m4 2940 libev.m4
2584 2941
2585=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2942=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2586 2943
2587Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2944Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2588before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2945define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2589and only include the select backend. 2946autoconf is noted for every option.
2590 2947
2591=over 4 2948=over 4
2592 2949
2593=item EV_STANDALONE 2950=item EV_STANDALONE
2594 2951
2599F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2956F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2600 2957
2601=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2958=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2602 2959
2603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2960If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2604monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2961monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2605of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2962of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2606usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2963usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2607the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2964the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2608to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2965to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2609function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2966function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2610 2967
2611=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2968=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2612 2969
2613If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2970If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2614realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2971real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2615runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2972runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2616be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2973be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2617(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2974(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2618note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2975note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2619 2976
2620=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2977=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2621 2978
2622If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2979If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2623and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2980and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2624 2981
2982=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2983
2984If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2985available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2986C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2987If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
29882.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2989
2625=item EV_USE_SELECT 2990=item EV_USE_SELECT
2626 2991
2627If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2992If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2628C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2993C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2629other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2994other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2630will not be compiled in. 2995will not be compiled in.
2631 2996
2632=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2997=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2633 2998
2634If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2999If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2635structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3000structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2636C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3001C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2637exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3002exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2638low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3003low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2639allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3004allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2640influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3005influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2641 3006
2665 3030
2666=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3031=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2667 3032
2668If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3033If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2669C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3034C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2670otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3035otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2671preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3036backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3037headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2672 3038
2673=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3039=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2674 3040
2675If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3041If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2676C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3042C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2689otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3055otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2690backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3056backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2691 3057
2692=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3058=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2693 3059
2694reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3060Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2695 3061
2696=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3062=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2697 3063
2698If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3064If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2699interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3065interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2700be detected at runtime. 3066be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3067indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2701 3068
2702=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3069=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2703 3070
2704Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 3071Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2705access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3072access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2706type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3073type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2707that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3074that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2708as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3075as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2709 3076
2710In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3077In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2711(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3078(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2712 3079
2713=item EV_H 3080=item EV_H
2714 3081
2715The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3082The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2754When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3121When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2755all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3122all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2756and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3123and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2757fine. 3124fine.
2758 3125
2759If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3126If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2760C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3127C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2761 3128
2762=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3129=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2763 3130
2764If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3131If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2765defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3132defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2792defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3159defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2793 3160
2794=item EV_MINIMAL 3161=item EV_MINIMAL
2795 3162
2796If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3163If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2797speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3164speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2798some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3165inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3166much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2799 3167
2800=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3168=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2801 3169
2802C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3170C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2803pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3171pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2810inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3178inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2811usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3179usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2812watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3180watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2813two). 3181two).
2814 3182
3183=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3184
3185Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3186timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3187to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3188noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3189
3190The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3191(disabled).
3192
3193=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3194
3195Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3196timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3197the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3198which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3199but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3200noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3201
3202The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3203(disabled).
3204
3205=item EV_VERIFY
3206
3207Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3208be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3209in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3210called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3211called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3212verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3213libev considerably.
3214
3215The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3216C<0.>
3217
2815=item EV_COMMON 3218=item EV_COMMON
2816 3219
2817By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3220By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2818this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3221this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2819members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3222members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2820though, and it must be identical each time. 3223though, and it must be identical each time.
2821 3224
2822For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3225For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2823 3226
2824 #define EV_COMMON \ 3227 #define EV_COMMON \
2825 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3228 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2826 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3229 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2827 3230
2828=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3231=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2829 3232
2830=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3233=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2831 3234
2838avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3241avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2839method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3242method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2840 3243
2841=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3244=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2842 3245
2843If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3246If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2844exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3247exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2845all public symbols, one per line: 3248all public symbols, one per line:
2846 3249
2847 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3250 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2848 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3251 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2849 3252
2850This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3253This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2851multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3254multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2852itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3255itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2853 3256
2854A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3257A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2855include before including F<ev.h>: 3258include before including F<ev.h>:
2856 3259
2857 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3260 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2874file. 3277file.
2875 3278
2876The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3279The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2877that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3280that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2878 3281
2879 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3282 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2880 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3283 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2881 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3284 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2882 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3285 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2883 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3286 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2884 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3287 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2885 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3288 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2886 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3289 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2887 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3290 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2888 3291
2889 #include "ev++.h" 3292 #include "ev++.h"
2890 3293
2891And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3294And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2892 3295
2893 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3296 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2894 #include "ev.c" 3297 #include "ev.c"
3298
3299
3300=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3301
3302=head2 THREADS
3303
3304Libev itself is thread-safe (unless the opposite is specifically
3305documented for a function), but it uses no locking itself. This means that
3306you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as only one
3307thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop parameter:
3308libev guarentees that different event loops share no data structures that
3309need locking.
3310
3311Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3312concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3313must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3314only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3315a mutex per loop).
3316
3317Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3318so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3319concurrency on the same event loop.
3320
3321If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3322without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3323help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3324
3325=over 4
3326
3327=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3328in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3329
3330This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3331themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3332
3333=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3334
3335Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3336exists, but it is always a good start.
3337
3338=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3339loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3340
3341Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3342better than you currently do :-)
3343
3344=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3345event loop.
3346
3347C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3348(or from signal contexts...).
3349
3350An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3351work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3352default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3353watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3354
3355=back
3356
3357=head2 COROUTINES
3358
3359Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3360libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3361coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3362different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3363loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3364you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3365
3366Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3367C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine switches.
2895 3368
2896 3369
2897=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3370=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2898 3371
2899In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3372In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2931correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3404correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2932have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3405have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2933 3406
2934=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3407=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2935 3408
2936By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3409By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2937beginning of the storage array. 3410fixed position in the storage array.
2938 3411
2939=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3412=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2940 3413
2941A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3414A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2942libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3415libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2943on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3416on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2944 3417
2945=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3418=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2946 3419
2947=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3420=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2948 3421
2955 3428
2956=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3429=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
2957 3430
2958=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3431=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
2959 3432
2960Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3433Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
2961calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3434calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2962involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3435involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2963 3436
2964=back 3437=back
2965 3438
2966 3439
2967=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3440=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2968 3441
2969Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3442Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2970requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3443requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2971model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3444model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2972the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3445the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2973descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3446descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2974e.g. cygwin. 3447e.g. cygwin.
2975 3448
3449Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3450re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3451things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3452way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3453
2976There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3454There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2977embedding it into other applications. 3455embedding it into other applications.
2978 3456
3457Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3458accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3459either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3460so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3461megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3462available).
3463
2979Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3464Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2980abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3465the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2981recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3466is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2982a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3467more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2983implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3468different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2984be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3469notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3470(Microsoft monopoly games).
3471
3472A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3473section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3474of F<ev.h>:
3475
3476 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3477 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3478
3479 #include "ev.h"
3480
3481And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3482you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3483
3484 #include "evwrap.h"
3485 #include "ev.c"
2985 3486
2986=over 4 3487=over 4
2987 3488
2988=item The winsocket select function 3489=item The winsocket select function
2989 3490
2990The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3491The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2991socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3492requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2992very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3493also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2993to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3494requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2994C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3495C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2995symbols for more info. 3496discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3497C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2996 3498
2997The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3499The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2998libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3500libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2999 3501
3000 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3502 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3001 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3503 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3002 3504
3003Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3505Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3004complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3506complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3005 3507
3006=item Limited number of file descriptors 3508=item Limited number of file descriptors
3007 3509
3008Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3510Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3009of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3511
3512Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3010(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3513of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3011C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3514can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3012chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3515recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3516previous thread in each. Great).
3013 3517
3014Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3518Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3015to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3519to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3016call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3520call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3017select emulation on windows). 3521select emulation on windows).
3018 3522
3019Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3523Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3020libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3524libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3021or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3525or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3022C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3526C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3023arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3527arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3024libraries. 3528libraries.
3025 3529
3026This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3530This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3027windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3531windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3028wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3532wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3029calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3533calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3030 3534
3031=back 3535=back
3032 3536
3033 3537
3538=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3539
3540In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3541additional extensions:
3542
3543=over 4
3544
3545=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3546calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3547
3548Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3549structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3550assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3551callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3552calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3553
3554=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3555
3556The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3557C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3558threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3559believed to be sufficiently portable.
3560
3561=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3562
3563Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3564allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3565pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3566thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3567be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3568C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3569
3570The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3571except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3572well.
3573
3574=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3575
3576To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3577internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3578non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3579is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3580millions of watchers.
3581
3582=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3583
3584The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3585have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3586enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3587implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3588
3589=back
3590
3591If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3592
3593
3594=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3595
3596Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3597lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3598scared by this.
3599
3600However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3601has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3602warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3603targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3604
3605Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3606workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3607maintainable.
3608
3609And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3610wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3611seems to warn about).
3612
3613While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3614"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3615with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3616them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3617warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3618
3619
3620=head1 VALGRIND
3621
3622Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3623highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3624
3625If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3626in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3627
3628 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3629 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3630 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3631
3632Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3633valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3634might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3635
3636If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3637with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3638a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3639no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3640properly.
3641
3642If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3643I suggest using suppression lists.
3644
3645
3034=head1 AUTHOR 3646=head1 AUTHOR
3035 3647
3036Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3648Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3037 3649

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