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Revision 1.140 by root, Wed Apr 2 06:34:51 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 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70 70
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 74
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
174a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 218
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
199 220
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
204potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
205function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
206 230
207You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
208free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
209or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
210 234
211Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
212retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
213 237
214 static void * 238 static void *
215 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
216 { 240 {
217 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
228 ... 252 ...
229 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
230 254
231=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
232 256
233Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
234as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
235indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
236callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
237matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
238requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
239(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
240 264
241Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
256 280
257An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
258types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
259events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
260 284
261If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
262in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
263create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
264whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
265threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
266done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
267
268=over 4 285=over 4
269 286
270=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
271 288
272This 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
281from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
282as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
283 300
284The 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
285C<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
286for 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
287create 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
288can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
289C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
290 307
291The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
300The 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
301thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
302 319
303=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
304 321
305If 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
306or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
307C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
308override 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
309useful 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
310around bugs. 327around bugs.
317 334
318This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
319and 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
320iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
321GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
322without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
323C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
324 341
325The 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
326forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
327flag. 344flag.
328 345
329This 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>
330environment variable. 347environment variable.
331 348
332=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
333 350
334This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
336but 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
337using 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
338usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
339 356
340To 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
341parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
342writing 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
343connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
344a 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
345readyness 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).
346 367
347=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)
348 369
349And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
350than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
351limit 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
352considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
353i.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
354performance tips. 375performance tips.
355 376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379
356=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
357 381
358For 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,
359but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
360like 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),
361epoll 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
362of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
363cases 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
364support for dup. 388support for dup.
365 389
366While 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
367will 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
368(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
369best 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
370very well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
371 395
372Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
373need 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
374(or space) is available. 398(or space) is available.
375 399
376Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
377watchers 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,
378keep 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.
379 405
380While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
381all kernel versions tested so far. 407all kernel versions tested so far.
382 408
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411
383=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
384 413
385Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
386was 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
387with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
388it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
389unless 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
390C<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.
391system like NetBSD.
392 420
393You 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
394only 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
395the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
396 424
397It 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
398kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
399course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
400cause 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
401two 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
402drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
403 431
404This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 432This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
405 433
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
407everywhere, 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
408almost 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
409(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
410(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,
411sockets. 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>.
412 444
413=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 445=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
414 446
415This 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
416implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 448implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
420=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
421 453
422This 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,
423it'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)).
424 456
425Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 457Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
426notifications, 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
427blocking when no data (or space) is available. 459blocking when no data (or space) is available.
428 460
429While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 461While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
430file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 462file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
431descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 463descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
432might perform better. 464might perform better.
433 465
434On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
435backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
436embeddable, 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>.
437 473
438=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
439 475
440Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 476Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
441with 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
443 479
444It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
445 481
446=back 482=back
447 483
448If 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
449backends 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
450specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
451 487
452The most typical usage is like this: 488Example: This is the most typical usage.
453 489
454 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 490 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
455 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
456 492
457Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 493Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
458environment settings to be taken into account: 494environment settings to be taken into account:
459 495
460 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 496 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
461 497
462Use 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
463available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 499used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
464event 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):
465 502
466 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 503 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
467 504
468=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 505=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
469 506
470Similar 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
471always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 508always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
476libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 513libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
477default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 514default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
478 515
479Example: 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.
480 517
481 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 518 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
482 if (!epoller) 519 if (!epoller)
483 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 520 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
484 521
485=item ev_default_destroy () 522=item ev_default_destroy ()
486 523
487Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 524Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
488etc.). 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
489sense, 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
490responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
491calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
492the 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
493for example). 530for example).
494 531
495Note 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
527 564
528=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 565=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
529 566
530Like 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
531C<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
532after 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.
533 571
534=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 572=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
535 573
536Returns 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.
537 576
538=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 577=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
539 578
540Returns 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
541the 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
556received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 595received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
557change 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
558time 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
559event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 598event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
560 599
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
561=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
562 613
563Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
564after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
565events. 616events.
567If 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
568either 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.
569 620
570Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
571relying 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
572finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 623finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
573automatically 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
574relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 625of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
626beauty.
575 627
576A 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
577those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 629those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
578case 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.
579 632
580A 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
581neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
582your 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
583one 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
584external 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
585libev 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
586usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 643usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
587 644
588Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 645Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
589 646
590 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 647 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
591 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 648 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
592 - 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.
593 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 650 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
594 - 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.
595 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 653 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
596 - Update the "event loop time". 654 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
597 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 655 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
598 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 656 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
599 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 657 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
600 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 658 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
601 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 659 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
602 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 660 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
603 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
604 - Queue all outstanding timers. 662 - Queue all expired timers.
605 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 663 - Queue all expired periodics.
606 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 664 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
607 - Queue all check watchers. 665 - Queue all check watchers.
608 - 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).
609 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
610 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 668 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
611 - 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
616anymore. 674anymore.
617 675
618 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 676 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
619 ... 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..)
620 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 678 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
621 ... jobs done. yeah! 679 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
622 680
623=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 681=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
624 682
625Can 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
626has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 684has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
633 691
634=item ev_unref (loop) 692=item ev_unref (loop)
635 693
636Ref/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
637loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 695loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
638count 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
639a 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>
640returning, 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
641example, 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
642visible 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
643no 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
644way 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
645libraries. 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>
646(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,
647respectively). 708respectively).
648 709
649Example: 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>
650running when nothing else is active. 711running when nothing else is active.
651 712
652 struct ev_signal exitsig; 713 struct ev_signal exitsig;
653 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 714 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
654 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 715 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
655 evf_unref (loop); 716 evf_unref (loop);
656 717
657Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 718Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
658 719
659 ev_ref (loop); 720 ev_ref (loop);
660 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 721 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
661 722
662=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 723=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
663 724
664=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 725=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
665 726
666These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 727These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
667for 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
668invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 729will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
730latency.
669 731
670Setting 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>)
671allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 733allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
672increase efficiency of loop iterations. 734to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
735opportunities).
673 736
674The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 737The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
675handle 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
676the 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
677events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 740events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
678overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 741overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
679 742
680By 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
681time 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,
683C<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
684introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 747introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
685 748
686Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 749Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
687to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 750to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
688latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 751latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
689will 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
690any overhead in libev. 753value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
691 754
692Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 755Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
693interval 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
694interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 757interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
695usually 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>,
696as 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.
697 779
698=back 780=back
699 781
700 782
701=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 783=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
702 784
703A 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
704interest 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
705become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 787become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
706 788
707 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)
708 { 790 {
709 ev_io_stop (w); 791 ev_io_stop (w);
710 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 792 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
711 } 793 }
712 794
713 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 795 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
714 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 796 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
715 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 797 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
716 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 798 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
717 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 799 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
718 ev_loop (loop, 0); 800 ev_loop (loop, 0);
719 801
720As 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
721watcher 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,
722although this can sometimes be quite valid). 804although this can sometimes be quite valid).
723 805
724Each 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
725(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 807(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
726callback 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
727watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 809watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
728is readable and/or writable). 810is readable and/or writable).
729 811
730Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 812Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
731with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 813with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
807 889
808The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 890The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
809 891
810=item C<EV_ERROR> 892=item C<EV_ERROR>
811 893
812An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 894An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
813happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 895happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
814ran 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
815problem. 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
816with the watcher being stopped. 898with the watcher being stopped.
817 899
818Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 900Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
819for 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
820your 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
821with 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
822programs, though, so beware. 904programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
905thing, so beware.
823 906
824=back 907=back
825 908
826=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 909=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
827 910
843(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 926(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
844 927
845The 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,
846int revents)>. 929int revents)>.
847 930
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
848=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 937=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
849 938
850This 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
851call 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
852call 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
854difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 943difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
855 944
856Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 945Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
857(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.
858 947
948See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
949
859=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 950=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
860 951
861This 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
862calls 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
863a 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);
864 959
865=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 960=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
866 961
867Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 962Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
868events. 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);
869 969
870=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
871 971
872Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
873status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
930 1030
931=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1031=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
932 1032
933Invoke 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
934C<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
935can deal with that fact. 1035can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1036callback.
936 1037
937=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1038=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
938 1039
939If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1040If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
940and 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
941watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1042watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
942 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
943=back 1047=back
944 1048
945 1049
946=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1050=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
947 1051
948Each 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
949and 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
950to 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
951don'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
952member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1056member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
953data: 1057data:
954 1058
955 struct my_io 1059 struct my_io
956 { 1060 {
957 struct ev_io io; 1061 struct ev_io io;
958 int otherfd; 1062 int otherfd;
959 void *somedata; 1063 void *somedata;
960 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1064 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
961 } 1065 };
1066
1067 ...
1068 struct my_io w;
1069 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
962 1070
963And 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
964can cast it back to your own type: 1072can cast it back to your own type:
965 1073
966 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)
967 { 1075 {
968 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1076 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
969 ... 1077 ...
970 } 1078 }
971 1079
972More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1080More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
973instead have been omitted. 1081instead have been omitted.
974 1082
975Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1083Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
976watchers: 1084embedded watchers:
977 1085
978 struct my_biggy 1086 struct my_biggy
979 { 1087 {
980 int some_data; 1088 int some_data;
981 ev_timer t1; 1089 ev_timer t1;
982 ev_timer t2; 1090 ev_timer t2;
983 } 1091 }
984 1092
985In 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
986you 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):
987 1098
988 #include <stddef.h> 1099 #include <stddef.h>
989 1100
990 static void 1101 static void
991 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1102 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
992 { 1103 {
993 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1104 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
994 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1105 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
995 } 1106 }
996 1107
997 static void 1108 static void
998 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1109 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
999 { 1110 {
1000 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1111 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1001 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1112 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1002 } 1113 }
1003 1114
1004 1115
1005=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1116=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1006 1117
1007This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1118This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1031In 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
1032fd 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
1033descriptors 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
1034required if you know what you are doing). 1145required if you know what you are doing).
1035 1146
1036If 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
1037(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
1038C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1149C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1039 1150
1040Another 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
1041receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1152receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1042be 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
1043because 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
1044lot 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
1045this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1156this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1046it 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
1047C<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.
1048 1159
1049If 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
1050play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1161not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1051whether 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
1052such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1163interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1053its 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.
1054 1169
1055=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1170=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1056 1171
1057Some 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
1058descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1173descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1059such 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
1060descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1175descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1061this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1176this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1062registered 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
1063fact, a different file descriptor. 1178fact, a different file descriptor.
1064 1179
1095enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1210enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1096C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1211C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1097 1212
1098=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1213=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1099 1214
1100While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1215While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1101when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1216when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1102gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1217sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1103programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1218this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1104undesirable.
1105 1219
1106So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1220So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1107ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1221ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1108somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1222somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1109 1223
1115=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1229=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1116 1230
1117=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1231=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1118 1232
1119Configures 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
1120rceeive 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
1121C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1235C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1122 1236
1123=item int fd [read-only] 1237=item int fd [read-only]
1124 1238
1125The file descriptor being watched. 1239The file descriptor being watched.
1126 1240
1134 1248
1135Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1249Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1136readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1250readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1137attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1251attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1138 1252
1139 static void 1253 static void
1140 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)
1141 { 1255 {
1142 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1256 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1143 .. 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
1144 } 1258 }
1145 1259
1146 ... 1260 ...
1147 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1261 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1148 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1262 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1149 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);
1150 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1264 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1151 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1265 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1152 1266
1153 1267
1154=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1268=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1155 1269
1156Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1270Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1157given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1271given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1158 1272
1159The 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
1160times 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
1161time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1275year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1162detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1276detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1163monotonic 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.
1164 1290
1165The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1291The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1166time. 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
1167of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1293of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1168you 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
1169on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1295timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1170 1296
1171 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1297 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1172 1298
1173The 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
1174but 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
1175order of execution is undefined. 1301()>.
1176 1302
1177=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1303=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1178 1304
1179=over 4 1305=over 4
1180 1306
1181=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)
1182 1308
1183=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)
1184 1310
1185Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1311Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1186C<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
1187timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1313reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1188later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1314configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1315until stopped manually.
1189 1316
1190The 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
1191configure 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
1192exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1319trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1193the 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
1194timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1321do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1195 1322
1196=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1323=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1197 1324
1198This 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
1199repeating. The exact semantics are: 1326repeating. The exact semantics are:
1200 1327
1201If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1328If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1202 1329
1203If 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).
1204 1331
1205If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1332If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1206C<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.
1207 1334
1208This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1335This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1209example: 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
1210timeout, 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
1211seconds 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
1212configure 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
1213C<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
1214you 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
1228 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1355 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1229 1356
1230This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 1357This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1231you want to modify its timeout value. 1358you want to modify its timeout value.
1232 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
1233=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1366=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1234 1367
1235The 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
1236or 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),
1237which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1370which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1238 1371
1239=back 1372=back
1240 1373
1241=head3 Examples 1374=head3 Examples
1242 1375
1243Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1376Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1244 1377
1245 static void 1378 static void
1246 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)
1247 { 1380 {
1248 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1381 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1249 } 1382 }
1250 1383
1251 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1384 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1252 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1385 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1253 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1386 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1254 1387
1255Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1388Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1256inactivity. 1389inactivity.
1257 1390
1258 static void 1391 static void
1259 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)
1260 { 1393 {
1261 .. ten seconds without any activity 1394 .. ten seconds without any activity
1262 } 1395 }
1263 1396
1264 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1397 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1265 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 */
1266 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1399 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1267 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1400 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1268 1401
1269 // 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":
1270 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1403 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1271 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1404 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1272 1405
1273 1406
1274=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1407=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1275 1408
1276Periodic 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
1277(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1410(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1278 1411
1279Unlike 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)
1280but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1413but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1281to 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
1282periodic 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 ()
1283+ 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
1284take 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
1285roughly 10 seconds later). 1419roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1286 1420
1287They 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,
1288triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1422such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1289rules. 1423complicated rules.
1290 1424
1291As 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
1292time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1426time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1293during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1427during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1294 1428
1295=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1296 1430
1297=over 4 1431=over 4
1298 1432
1299=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)
1300 1434
1301=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)
1302 1436
1303Lots 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
1304operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1438operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1305 1439
1306=over 4 1440=over 4
1307 1441
1308=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1442=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1309 1443
1310In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1444In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1311C<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
1312that 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
1313system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1447only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1314 1448
1315=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1449=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1316 1450
1317In 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
1318C<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)
1319and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1453and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1320 1454
1321This 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
1322time: 1456system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1457hour, on the hour:
1323 1458
1324 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1459 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1325 1460
1326This 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,
1327but 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
1328full 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
1329by 3600. 1464by 3600.
1330 1465
1331Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1466Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1332C<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
1333time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1468time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1334 1469
1335For 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
1336C<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
1337this 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).
1338 1478
1339=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1479=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1340 1480
1341In 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
1342ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1482ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1343reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1483reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1344current time as second argument. 1484current time as second argument.
1345 1485
1346NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1486NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1347ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1487ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1348return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1349starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1350 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
1351Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1493The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1352ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1494*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1353 1495
1354 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)
1355 { 1497 {
1356 return now + 60.; 1498 return now + 60.;
1357 } 1499 }
1359It 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
1360(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
1361will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1503will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1362might be called at other times, too. 1504might be called at other times, too.
1363 1505
1364NOTE: 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
1365passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1507equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1366 1508
1367This 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
1368triggers 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
1369next 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
1370you 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
1371reason I omitted it as an example). 1513reason I omitted it as an example).
1372 1514
1373=back 1515=back
1377Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1519Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1378when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1520when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1379a 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
1380program when the crontabs have changed). 1522program when the crontabs have changed).
1381 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
1382=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1529=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1383 1530
1384When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1531When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1385absolute 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>).
1386 1533
1397 1544
1398The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1545The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1399switched 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
1400the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1547the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1401 1548
1402=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1403
1404When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1405trigger next.
1406
1407=back 1549=back
1408 1550
1409=head3 Examples 1551=head3 Examples
1410 1552
1411Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1553Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1412system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1554system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1413potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1555potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1414 1556
1415 static void 1557 static void
1416 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)
1417 { 1559 {
1418 ... 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)
1419 } 1561 }
1420 1562
1421 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1563 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1422 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1564 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1423 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1565 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1424 1566
1425Example: 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:
1426 1568
1427 #include <math.h> 1569 #include <math.h>
1428 1570
1429 static ev_tstamp 1571 static ev_tstamp
1430 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1572 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1431 { 1573 {
1432 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1574 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1433 } 1575 }
1434 1576
1435 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);
1436 1578
1437Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1579Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1438 1580
1439 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1581 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1440 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1582 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1441 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1583 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1442 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1584 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1443 1585
1444 1586
1445=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1587=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1446 1588
1447Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1589Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1448signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1590signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1449will 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
1450normal event processing, like any other event. 1592normal event processing, like any other event.
1451 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
1452You 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
1453first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1599first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1454with 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
1455as 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
1456watcher 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
1457SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1603signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1458 1604
1459If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1605If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1460C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1606C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1461interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1607interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1462signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1608signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1463them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1609them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1464 1610
1465=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1611=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1466 1612
1481 1627
1482=head3 Examples 1628=head3 Examples
1483 1629
1484Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1485 1631
1486 static void 1632 static void
1487 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1488 { 1634 {
1489 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1490 } 1636 }
1491 1637
1492 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1493 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1494 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1495 1641
1496 1642
1497=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1498 1644
1499Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1645Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1500some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1646some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1501is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1647exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1502forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1648has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1503loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 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.
1504 1653
1505Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1654Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1506you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1655you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1507 1656
1508=head3 Process Interaction 1657=head3 Process Interaction
1509 1658
1510Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1659Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1511initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1660initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1512the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1661the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1513of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1662of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1514synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1663synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1515children, even ones not watched. 1664children, even ones not watched.
1516 1665
1517=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1666=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1521handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1670handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1522C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1671C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1523default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1672default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1524event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1673event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1525that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 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.
1526 1682
1527=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1683=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1528 1684
1529=over 4 1685=over 4
1530 1686
1559=head3 Examples 1715=head3 Examples
1560 1716
1561Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1717Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1562its completion. 1718its completion.
1563 1719
1564 ev_child cw; 1720 ev_child cw;
1565 1721
1566 static void 1722 static void
1567 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1723 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1568 { 1724 {
1569 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1725 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1570 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1726 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1571 } 1727 }
1572 1728
1573 pid_t pid = fork (); 1729 pid_t pid = fork ();
1574 1730
1575 if (pid < 0) 1731 if (pid < 0)
1576 // error 1732 // error
1577 else if (pid == 0) 1733 else if (pid == 0)
1578 { 1734 {
1579 // the forked child executes here 1735 // the forked child executes here
1580 exit (1); 1736 exit (1);
1581 } 1737 }
1582 else 1738 else
1583 { 1739 {
1584 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1740 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1585 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1741 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1586 } 1742 }
1587 1743
1588 1744
1589=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1745=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1590 1746
1591This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1747This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1592C<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
1593compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1749compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1594 1750
1595The 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
1596not 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
1599the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1755the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1600 1756
1601The 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
1602relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1758relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1603 1759
1604Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1760Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1605calls 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
1606can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1762it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1607a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1763this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1608unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1764then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1609five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1765you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1610impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1766dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1611usually overkill. 1767around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1612 1768
1613This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1769This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1614as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1770as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1615resource-intensive. 1771resource-intensive.
1616 1772
1617At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1773At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1618implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1774is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1619reader). 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
1620semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1776of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1621to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1622usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1623polling.
1624 1777
1625=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1778=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1626 1779
1627Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1780Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1628compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1781compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1629disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1782support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1630structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1783structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1631use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1784use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1632compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1785compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1633obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1786obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1634most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1787most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1635 1788
1636=head3 Inotify 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
1637 1796
1638When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1639available 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
1640change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1641when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1642 1801
1643Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1644except 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
1645making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1646there 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.
1647 1807
1648(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
1649implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1809implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1650descriptor open on the object at all times). 1810descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1811etc. is difficult.
1651 1812
1652=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1813=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1653 1814
1654The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1815The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1655even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1816even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1656only support whole seconds. 1817only support whole seconds.
1657 1818
1658That 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
1659miss 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
1660your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1821calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1661the 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).
1662 1824
1663The 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
1664the 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
1665(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);
1666is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1828ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1667systems. 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).
1668 1838
1669=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1839=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1670 1840
1671=over 4 1841=over 4
1672 1842
1678C<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
1679be 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
1680a 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
1681path for as long as the watcher is active. 1851path for as long as the watcher is active.
1682 1852
1683The 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,
1684relative 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
1685last change was detected). 1855last change was detected).
1686 1856
1687=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1857=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1688 1858
1689Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1859Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1690watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1860watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1691detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1861detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1692useful simply to find out the new values. 1862the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1863new values.
1693 1864
1694=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1865=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1695 1866
1696The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1867The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1697C<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
1698suitable 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
1699was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1871some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1700 1872
1701=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1873=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1702 1874
1703The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1875The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1704C<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>.
1705 1879
1706=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1880=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1707 1881
1708The specified interval. 1882The specified interval.
1709 1883
1710=item const char *path [read-only] 1884=item const char *path [read-only]
1711 1885
1712The filesystem path that is being watched. 1886The file system path that is being watched.
1713 1887
1714=back 1888=back
1715 1889
1716=head3 Examples 1890=head3 Examples
1717 1891
1718Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1892Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1719 1893
1720 static void 1894 static void
1721 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1895 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1722 { 1896 {
1723 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1897 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1724 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1898 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1725 { 1899 {
1726 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1900 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1727 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1901 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1728 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1902 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1729 } 1903 }
1730 else 1904 else
1731 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1905 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1732 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1906 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1733 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1907 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1734 } 1908 }
1735 1909
1736 ... 1910 ...
1737 ev_stat passwd; 1911 ev_stat passwd;
1738 1912
1739 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1913 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1740 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1914 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1741 1915
1742Example: 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
1743miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1917miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1744one 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
1745C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1919C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1746 1920
1747 static ev_stat passwd; 1921 static ev_stat passwd;
1748 static ev_timer timer; 1922 static ev_timer timer;
1749 1923
1750 static void 1924 static void
1751 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1925 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1752 { 1926 {
1753 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1927 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1754 1928
1755 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1929 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1756 } 1930 }
1757 1931
1758 static void 1932 static void
1759 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1933 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1760 { 1934 {
1761 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1935 /* reset the one-second timer */
1762 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1936 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1763 } 1937 }
1764 1938
1765 ... 1939 ...
1766 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1940 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1767 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1941 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1768 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1942 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1769 1943
1770 1944
1771=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...
1772 1946
1773Idle 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
1774priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 1948priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1775count). 1949as receiving "events").
1776 1950
1777That 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
1778(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
1779triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 1953triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1780are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 1954are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1804=head3 Examples 1978=head3 Examples
1805 1979
1806Example: 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
1807callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1981callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1808 1982
1809 static void 1983 static void
1810 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)
1811 { 1985 {
1812 free (w); 1986 free (w);
1813 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1987 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1814 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1988 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1815 } 1989 }
1816 1990
1817 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1991 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1818 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1992 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1819 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1993 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1820 1994
1821 1995
1822=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!
1823 1997
1824Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1998Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1825prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1999prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1826afterwards. 2000afterwards.
1827 2001
1828You 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
1829the 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>
1832those 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,
1833C<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
1834called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2008called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1835 2009
1836Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2010Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1837their 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
1838variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2012variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1839coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2013coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1840you 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,
1841in 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>
1842watcher). 2016watcher).
1843 2017
1844This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2018This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1845to 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
1846them 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
1847provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2021libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1848any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2022you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1849and 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
1850callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2024I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1851because you never know, you know?). 2025nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1852 2026
1853As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2027As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1854coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2028coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1855during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2029during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1856are 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
1859loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2033loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1860low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2034low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1861 2035
1862It 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>)
1863priority, 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
1864after 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
1865too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2041activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1866supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2042might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1867did 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
1868(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
1869state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2045C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1870coexist peacefully with others). 2046others).
1871 2047
1872=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2048=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1873 2049
1874=over 4 2050=over 4
1875 2051
1877 2053
1878=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2054=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1879 2055
1880Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2056Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1881parameters 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>
1882macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2058macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2059pointless.
1883 2060
1884=back 2061=back
1885 2062
1886=head3 Examples 2063=head3 Examples
1887 2064
1888There 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
1889into 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
1890(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
1891use 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
1892embeds 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
1893into the Glib event loop). 2070Glib event loop).
1894 2071
1895Method 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,
1896and 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
1897is 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
1898priority 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
1899the 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.
1900 2077
1901 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2078 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1902 static ev_timer tw; 2079 static ev_timer tw;
1903 2080
1904 static void 2081 static void
1905 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2082 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1906 { 2083 {
1907 } 2084 }
1908 2085
1909 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2086 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1910 static void 2087 static void
1911 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2088 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1912 { 2089 {
1913 int timeout = 3600000; 2090 int timeout = 3600000;
1914 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2091 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1915 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2092 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1916 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2093 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1917 2094
1918 /* 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 */
1919 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2096 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1920 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2097 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1921 2098
1922 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2099 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1923 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2100 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1924 { 2101 {
1925 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2102 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1926 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2103 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1927 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2104 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1928 2105
1929 fds [i].revents = 0; 2106 fds [i].revents = 0;
1930 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2107 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1931 } 2108 }
1932 } 2109 }
1933 2110
1934 // stop all watchers after blocking 2111 // stop all watchers after blocking
1935 static void 2112 static void
1936 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2113 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1937 { 2114 {
1938 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2115 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1939 2116
1940 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2117 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1941 { 2118 {
1942 // set the relevant poll flags 2119 // set the relevant poll flags
1943 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2120 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1944 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2121 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1945 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2122 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1946 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2123 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1947 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2124 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1948 2125
1949 // now stop the watcher 2126 // now stop the watcher
1950 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2127 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1951 } 2128 }
1952 2129
1953 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2130 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1954 } 2131 }
1955 2132
1956Method 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>
1957in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2134in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1958 2135
1959Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2136Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1960notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2137notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1961callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2138callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1962 2139
1963 static void 2140 static void
1964 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2141 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1965 { 2142 {
1966 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2143 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1967 update_now (EV_A); 2144 update_now (EV_A);
1968 2145
1969 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2146 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1970 } 2147 }
1971 2148
1972 static void 2149 static void
1973 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2150 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1974 { 2151 {
1975 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2152 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1976 update_now (EV_A); 2153 update_now (EV_A);
1977 2154
1978 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2155 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1979 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2156 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1980 } 2157 }
1981 2158
1982 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2159 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1983 2160
1984Method 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
1985want 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
1986their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2163override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1987loop 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
1988this. 2165this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2166libglib event loop.
1989 2167
1990 static gint 2168 static gint
1991 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2169 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1992 { 2170 {
1993 int got_events = 0; 2171 int got_events = 0;
1994 2172
1995 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2173 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1996 // 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
1997 2175
1998 if (timeout >= 0) 2176 if (timeout >= 0)
1999 // create/start timer 2177 // create/start timer
2000 2178
2001 // poll 2179 // poll
2002 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2180 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2003 2181
2004 // stop timer again 2182 // stop timer again
2005 if (timeout >= 0) 2183 if (timeout >= 0)
2006 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2184 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2007 2185
2008 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2186 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2009 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2187 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2010 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2188 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2011 2189
2012 return got_events; 2190 return got_events;
2013 } 2191 }
2014 2192
2015 2193
2016=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2194=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2017 2195
2018This 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
2024prioritise I/O. 2202prioritise I/O.
2025 2203
2026As 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
2027sockets 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
2028still 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
2029so 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
2030into 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
2031be 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
2032at 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 :)
2033 2212
2034As 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
2035to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2214some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2036priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2215and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2037you 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
2038a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2217the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2039 2218
2040As 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
2041there 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
2042call 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
2043their 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
2051interested in that. 2230interested in that.
2052 2231
2053Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2232Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2054when 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,
2055but 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
2056yourself. 2235yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2236and future versions of libev might do just that.
2057 2237
2058Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2238Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by
2059C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2239C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2060portable one. 2240portable one.
2061 2241
2074 2254
2075Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2255Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2076embeddable. 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
2077invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2257invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2078to 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,
2079if 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).
2080 2260
2081=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2261=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2082 2262
2083Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2263Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2084similarly 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
2085apropriate way for embedded loops. 2265appropriate way for embedded loops.
2086 2266
2087=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2267=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2088 2268
2089The embedded event loop. 2269The embedded event loop.
2090 2270
2092 2272
2093=head3 Examples 2273=head3 Examples
2094 2274
2095Example: 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
2096event 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
2097loop 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
2098C<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
2099used). 2279used).
2100 2280
2101 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2281 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2102 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2282 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2103 struct ev_embed embed; 2283 struct ev_embed embed;
2104 2284
2105 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2285 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2106 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2286 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2107 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2287 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2108 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2288 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2109 : 0; 2289 : 0;
2110 2290
2111 // 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
2112 if (loop_lo) 2292 if (loop_lo)
2113 { 2293 {
2114 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2294 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2115 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2295 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2116 } 2296 }
2117 else 2297 else
2118 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2298 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2119 2299
2120Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2300Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2121a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2301a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2122kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2302kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2123C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2303C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2124 2304
2125 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2305 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2126 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2306 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2127 struct ev_embed embed; 2307 struct ev_embed embed;
2128 2308
2129 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2309 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2130 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2310 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2131 { 2311 {
2132 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2312 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2133 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2313 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2134 } 2314 }
2135 2315
2136 if (!loop_socket) 2316 if (!loop_socket)
2137 loop_socket = loop; 2317 loop_socket = loop;
2138 2318
2139 // 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
2140 2320
2141 2321
2142=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
2143 2323
2144Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2324Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2197 2377
2198=item queueing from a signal handler context 2378=item queueing from a signal handler context
2199 2379
2200To 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
2201handler 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
2202some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2382some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2203 2383
2204 static ev_async mysig; 2384 static ev_async mysig;
2205 2385
2206 static void 2386 static void
2207 sigusr1_handler (void) 2387 sigusr1_handler (void)
2281=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2461=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2282 2462
2283Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2463Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2284an 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
2285C<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
2286similar 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
2287section below on what exactly this means). 2467section below on what exactly this means).
2288 2468
2289This 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,
2290so 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
2291calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2471calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2292 2472
2293=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2473=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2294 2474
2295Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2475Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2297event loop. 2477event loop.
2298 2478
2299C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2479C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2300the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2480the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2301it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2481it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2302quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2482quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2303 2483
2304Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2484Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2305wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2485whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2306 2486
2307=back 2487=back
2308 2488
2309 2489
2310=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2490=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2321or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2501or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2322more watchers yourself. 2502more watchers yourself.
2323 2503
2324If 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
2325is 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
2326C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2506C<events> set will be created and started.
2327 2507
2328If 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
2329started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2509started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2330repeat = 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
2331dubious value. 2511dubious value.
2333The 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
2334passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2514passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2335C<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>
2336value passed to C<ev_once>: 2516value passed to C<ev_once>:
2337 2517
2338 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2518 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2339 { 2519 {
2340 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2520 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2341 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2521 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2342 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2522 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2343 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2523 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2344 } 2524 }
2345 2525
2346 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2526 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2347 2527
2348=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2528=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2349 2529
2350Feeds 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
2351had 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
2356Feed 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
2357the given events it. 2537the given events it.
2358 2538
2359=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2539=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2360 2540
2361Feed 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
2362loop!). 2542loop!).
2363 2543
2364=back 2544=back
2365 2545
2366 2546
2382 2562
2383=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2563=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2384will 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
2385is an ev_pri field. 2565is an ev_pri field.
2386 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
2387=item * Other members are not supported. 2570=item * Other members are not supported.
2388 2571
2389=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
2390to use the libev header file and library. 2573to use the libev header file and library.
2391 2574
2392=back 2575=back
2393 2576
2394=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2577=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2395 2578
2396Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2579Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2397you 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
2398the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2581the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2399 2582
2400To use it, 2583To use it,
2401 2584
2402 #include <ev++.h> 2585 #include <ev++.h>
2403 2586
2404This 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
2405of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2588of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2406put 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
2407options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2590options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2474your 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
2475thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2658thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2476 2659
2477Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2660Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2478 2661
2479 struct myclass 2662 struct myclass
2480 { 2663 {
2481 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2664 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2482 } 2665 }
2483 2666
2484 myclass obj; 2667 myclass obj;
2485 ev::io iow; 2668 ev::io iow;
2486 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2669 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2487 2670
2488=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2671=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2489 2672
2490Also 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
2491callback. 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
2495 2678
2496See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2679See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2497 2680
2498Example: 2681Example:
2499 2682
2500 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2683 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2501 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2684 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2502 2685
2503=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2686=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2504 2687
2505Associates 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
2506do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2689do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2507 2690
2508=item w->set ([args]) 2691=item w->set ([arguments])
2509 2692
2510Basically 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
2511called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2694called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2512automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2695automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2513method. 2696method.
2514 2697
2515=item w->start () 2698=item w->start ()
2539=back 2722=back
2540 2723
2541Example: 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
2542the constructor. 2725the constructor.
2543 2726
2544 class myclass 2727 class myclass
2545 { 2728 {
2546 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2729 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2547 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2730 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2548 2731
2549 myclass (int fd) 2732 myclass (int fd)
2550 { 2733 {
2551 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2734 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2552 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2735 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2553 2736
2554 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2737 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2555 } 2738 }
2556 }; 2739 };
2557 2740
2558 2741
2559=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2742=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2560 2743
2561Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2744Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2562numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2745number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2563any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2746any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2564me a note. 2747me a note.
2565 2748
2566=over 4 2749=over 4
2567 2750
2571libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2754libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2572there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2755there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2573to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2756to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2574C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2757C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2575 2758
2576It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2759It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2577L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2760L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2578 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
2579=item Ruby 2771=item Ruby
2580 2772
2581Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2773Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2582of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2774of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2583more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2775more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2584L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2776L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2585 2777
2586=item D 2778=item D
2587 2779
2588Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2780Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2589be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2781be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2590 2782
2591=back 2783=back
2592 2784
2593 2785
2594=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2786=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2595 2787
2596Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2788Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2597of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2789of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2598functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2790functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2599 2791
2600To 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
2601following macros are defined: 2793following macros are defined:
2606 2798
2607This 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
2608loop 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,
2609C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2801C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2610 2802
2611 ev_unref (EV_A); 2803 ev_unref (EV_A);
2612 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2804 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2613 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2805 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2614 2806
2615It 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,
2616which is often provided by the following macro. 2808which is often provided by the following macro.
2617 2809
2618=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2810=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2619 2811
2620This 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
2621loop 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,
2622C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2814C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2623 2815
2624 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2816 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2625 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2817 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2626 2818
2627 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2819 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2628 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2820 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2629 2821
2630It 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
2631suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2823suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2632 2824
2633=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2825=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2634 2826
2635Similar 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
2636loop, 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.
2637 2839
2638=back 2840=back
2639 2841
2640Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2842Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2641macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2843macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2642or not. 2844or not.
2643 2845
2644 static void 2846 static void
2645 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2847 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2646 { 2848 {
2647 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2849 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2648 } 2850 }
2649 2851
2650 ev_check check; 2852 ev_check check;
2651 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2853 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2652 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2854 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2653 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2855 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2654 2856
2655=head1 EMBEDDING 2857=head1 EMBEDDING
2656 2858
2657Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2859Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2658applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2860applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2665libev somewhere in your source tree). 2867libev somewhere in your source tree).
2666 2868
2667=head2 FILESETS 2869=head2 FILESETS
2668 2870
2669Depending 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
2670in your app. 2872in your application.
2671 2873
2672=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2874=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2673 2875
2674To 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
2675configuration (no autoconf): 2877configuration (no autoconf):
2676 2878
2677 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2879 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2678 #include "ev.c" 2880 #include "ev.c"
2679 2881
2680This 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
2681single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2883single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2682it, 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
2683done 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
2684where you can put other configuration options): 2886where you can put other configuration options):
2685 2887
2686 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2888 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2687 #include "ev.h" 2889 #include "ev.h"
2688 2890
2689Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2891Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2690compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2892compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2691as a bug). 2893as a bug).
2692 2894
2693You 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
2694in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2896in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2695 2897
2696 ev.h 2898 ev.h
2697 ev.c 2899 ev.c
2698 ev_vars.h 2900 ev_vars.h
2699 ev_wrap.h 2901 ev_wrap.h
2700 2902
2701 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2903 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2702 2904
2703 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)
2704 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)
2705 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)
2706 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)
2707 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)
2708 2910
2709F<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
2710to compile this single file. 2912to compile this single file.
2711 2913
2712=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2914=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2713 2915
2714To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2916To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2715 2917
2716 #include "event.c" 2918 #include "event.c"
2717 2919
2718in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2920in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2719 2921
2720 #include "event.h" 2922 #include "event.h"
2721 2923
2722in 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>.
2723 2925
2724You need the following additional files for this: 2926You need the following additional files for this:
2725 2927
2726 event.h 2928 event.h
2727 event.c 2929 event.c
2728 2930
2729=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2931=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2730 2932
2731Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2933Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2732whatever 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
2733F<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
2734include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2936include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2735 2937
2736For this of course you need the m4 file: 2938For this of course you need the m4 file:
2737 2939
2738 libev.m4 2940 libev.m4
2739 2941
2740=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2942=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2741 2943
2742Libev 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
2743before 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
2744and only include the select backend. 2946autoconf is noted for every option.
2745 2947
2746=over 4 2948=over 4
2747 2949
2748=item EV_STANDALONE 2950=item EV_STANDALONE
2749 2951
2754F<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.
2755 2957
2756=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2958=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2757 2959
2758If 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
2759monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2961monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2760of 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
2761usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2963usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2762the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2964the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2763to 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>
2764function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2966function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2765 2967
2766=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2968=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2767 2969
2768If 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
2769realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2971real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2770runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2972runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2771be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2973be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2772(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2974(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2773note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2975note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2774 2976
2775=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2977=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2776 2978
2777If 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
2778and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2980and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2779 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
2780=item EV_USE_SELECT 2990=item EV_USE_SELECT
2781 2991
2782If 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
2783C<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
2784other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2994other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2785will not be compiled in. 2995will not be compiled in.
2786 2996
2787=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2997=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2788 2998
2789If 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>
2790structure. 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
2791C<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
2792exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3002exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2793low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3003low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2794allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3004allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2795influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3005influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2796 3006
2820 3030
2821=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3031=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2822 3032
2823If 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
2824C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3034C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2825otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3035otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2826preferred 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.
2827 3038
2828=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3039=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2829 3040
2830If 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
2831C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3042C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2844otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3055otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2845backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3056backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2846 3057
2847=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3058=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2848 3059
2849reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3060Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2850 3061
2851=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3062=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2852 3063
2853If 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
2854interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3065interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2855be 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.
2856 3068
2857=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3069=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2858 3070
2859Libev 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
2860access 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
2861type 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
2862that 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"
2863as 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.
2864 3076
2865In 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>
2866(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.
2867 3079
2868=item EV_H 3080=item EV_H
2869 3081
2870The 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
2909When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3121When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2910all 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
2911and 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
2912fine. 3124fine.
2913 3125
2914If 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
2915C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3127C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2916 3128
2917=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3129=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2918 3130
2919If 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
2920defined 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
2947defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3159defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2948 3160
2949=item EV_MINIMAL 3161=item EV_MINIMAL
2950 3162
2951If 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
2952speed, 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
2953some 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.
2954 3167
2955=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3168=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2956 3169
2957C<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
2958pid. 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
2965inotify 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>),
2966usually 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>
2967watchers 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
2968two). 3181two).
2969 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
2970=item EV_COMMON 3218=item EV_COMMON
2971 3219
2972By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3220By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2973this 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
2974members. 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,
2975though, and it must be identical each time. 3223though, and it must be identical each time.
2976 3224
2977For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3225For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2978 3226
2979 #define EV_COMMON \ 3227 #define EV_COMMON \
2980 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3228 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2981 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3229 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2982 3230
2983=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3231=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2984 3232
2985=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3233=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2986 3234
2993avoid 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
2994method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3242method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2995 3243
2996=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3244=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2997 3245
2998If 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
2999exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3247exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3000all public symbols, one per line: 3248all public symbols, one per line:
3001 3249
3002 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3250 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3003 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3251 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3004 3252
3005This 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
3006multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3254multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3007itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3255itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3008 3256
3009A 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
3010include before including F<ev.h>: 3258include before including F<ev.h>:
3011 3259
3012 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3260 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3029file. 3277file.
3030 3278
3031The 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
3032that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3280that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3033 3281
3034 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3282 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3035 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3283 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3036 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3284 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3037 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3285 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3038 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3286 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3039 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3287 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3040 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3288 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3041 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3289 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3042 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3290 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3043 3291
3044 #include "ev++.h" 3292 #include "ev++.h"
3045 3293
3046And 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:
3047 3295
3048 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3296 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3049 #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.
3050 3368
3051 3369
3052=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3370=head1 COMPLEXITIES
3053 3371
3054In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3372In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3086correct 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
3087have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3405have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3088 3406
3089=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3407=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3090 3408
3091By 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
3092beginning of the storage array. 3410fixed position in the storage array.
3093 3411
3094=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)
3095 3413
3096A 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
3097libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3415libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3098on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3416on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3099 3417
3100=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)
3101 3419
3102=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3420=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3103 3421
3110 3428
3111=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3429=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3112 3430
3113=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3431=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3114 3432
3115Sending 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>
3116calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3434calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3117involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3435involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3118 3436
3119=back 3437=back
3120 3438
3121 3439
3122=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3440=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3123 3441
3124Win32 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
3125requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3443requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3126model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3444model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3127the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3445the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3128descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3446descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3129e.g. cygwin. 3447e.g. cygwin.
3130 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
3131There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3454There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3132embedding it into other applications. 3455embedding it into other applications.
3133 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
3134Due 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
3135abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3465the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3136recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3466is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3137a 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
3138implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3468different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3139be 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"
3140 3486
3141=over 4 3487=over 4
3142 3488
3143=item The winsocket select function 3489=item The winsocket select function
3144 3490
3145The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3491The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3146socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3492requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3147very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3493also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3148to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3494requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3149C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3495C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3150symbols 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.
3151 3498
3152The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3499The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3153libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3500libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3154 3501
3155 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3502 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3156 #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 */
3157 3504
3158Note 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
3159complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3506complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3160 3507
3161=item Limited number of file descriptors 3508=item Limited number of file descriptors
3162 3509
3163Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3510Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3164of 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
3165(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
3166C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3514can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3167chain 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).
3168 3517
3169Newer 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>
3170to 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
3171call (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
3172select emulation on windows). 3521select emulation on windows).
3173 3522
3174Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3523Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3175libraries, 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
3176or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3525or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3177C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3526C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3178arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3527arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3179libraries. 3528libraries.
3180 3529
3181This 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
3182windows 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
3183wrap 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
3184calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3533calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3185 3534
3186=back 3535=back
3187 3536
3188 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
3189=head1 AUTHOR 3646=head1 AUTHOR
3190 3647
3191Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3648Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3192 3649

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