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Revision 1.183 by root, Tue Sep 23 08:37:38 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.196 by root, Tue Oct 21 20:04:14 2008 UTC

214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
215recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
216 216
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 218
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 220
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
250 } 250 }
251 251
252 ... 252 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 254
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
256 256
257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
687 687
688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
689 689
690It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
691
690=item ev_ref (loop) 692=item ev_ref (loop)
691 693
692=item ev_unref (loop) 694=item ev_unref (loop)
693 695
694Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 696Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
967 969
968 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 970 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
969 971
970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 972=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
971 973
972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 974Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
975the watcher was active or not).
976
973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 977It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
974non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 978non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
975C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 979calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
976you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 980pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
977good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 981therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
978 982
979=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 983=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
980 984
981Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 985Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
982and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 986and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1625 1629
1626=back 1630=back
1627 1631
1628=head3 Examples 1632=head3 Examples
1629 1633
1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1634Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1631 1635
1632 static void 1636 static void
1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1637 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1634 { 1638 {
1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1639 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1636 } 1640 }
1637 1641
1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1642 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1643 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1644 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1641 1645
1642 1646
1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1647=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1644 1648
1645Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1649Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1792to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 1796to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1793default compilation environment. 1797default compilation environment.
1794 1798
1795=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 1799=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1796 1800
1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1801When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1802only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1798available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1803implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1804change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1805lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1801 1806
1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1807Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1803except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1808except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1809making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1805there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling, 1810there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2233when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2238when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2234but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2239but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2235yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 2240yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2236and future versions of libev might do just that. 2241and future versions of libev might do just that.
2237 2242
2238Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2243Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2239C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2244C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2240portable one. 2245portable one.
2241 2246
2242So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2247So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2243that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2248that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2244this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2249this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2245create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2250create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2251
2252=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2253
2254While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2255automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2256fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2257however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2258as applicable.
2246 2259
2247=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2248 2261
2249=over 4 2262=over 4
2250 2263
2368is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2381is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2369multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2382multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2370need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2383need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2371 2384
2372That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2385That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2373queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2386queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2374queue: 2387queue:
2375 2388
2376=over 4 2389=over 4
2377 2390
2378=item queueing from a signal handler context 2391=item queueing from a signal handler context
2379 2392
2380To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2393To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2381handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2394handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2382some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler: 2395an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2383 2396
2384 static ev_async mysig; 2397 static ev_async mysig;
2385 2398
2386 static void 2399 static void
2387 sigusr1_handler (void) 2400 sigusr1_handler (void)
2454 2467
2455=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2468=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2456 2469
2457Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2470Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2458kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2471kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2459believe me. 2472trust me.
2460 2473
2461=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2474=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2462 2475
2463Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2476Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2464an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2477an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2465C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2478C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2466similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2479similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2467section below on what exactly this means). 2480section below on what exactly this means).
2468 2481
2469This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 2482This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2470so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2483so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2494=over 4 2507=over 4
2495 2508
2496=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2509=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2497 2510
2498This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2511This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2499callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2512callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2500watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2513watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2501or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2514or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2502more watchers yourself. 2515more watchers yourself.
2503 2516
2504If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2517If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2505is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2518C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2506C<events> set will be created and started. 2519the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2507 2520
2508If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2521If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2509started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2522started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2510repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2523repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2511dubious value.
2512 2524
2513The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2525The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2514passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2526passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2515C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2527C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2516value passed to C<ev_once>: 2528value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2529a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2530events precedence.
2531
2532Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2517 2533
2518 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2534 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2519 { 2535 {
2536 if (revents & EV_READ)
2537 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2520 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2538 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2521 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2539 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2522 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2523 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2524 } 2540 }
2525 2541
2526 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2542 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2527 2543
2528=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2544=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2676 2692
2677The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2693The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2678 2694
2679See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2695See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2680 2696
2681Example: 2697Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2682 2698
2683 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2699 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2684 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2700 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2685 2701
2686=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2702=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2724Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2740Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2725the constructor. 2741the constructor.
2726 2742
2727 class myclass 2743 class myclass
2728 { 2744 {
2729 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2745 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2730 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2746 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2731 2747
2732 myclass (int fd) 2748 myclass (int fd)
2733 { 2749 {
2734 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2750 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2735 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2751 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2751=item Perl 2767=item Perl
2752 2768
2753The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2769The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2754libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2770libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2755there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2771there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2756to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2772to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2757C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2773C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2774and C<EV::Glib>).
2758 2775
2759It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at 2776It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2760L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2777L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2761 2778
2762=item Python 2779=item Python
2941 2958
2942=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2959=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2943 2960
2944Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2961Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2945define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 2962define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2946autoconf is noted for every option. 2963autoconf is documented for every option.
2947 2964
2948=over 4 2965=over 4
2949 2966
2950=item EV_STANDALONE 2967=item EV_STANDALONE
2951 2968
3121When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3138When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3122all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3139all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
3123and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3140and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3124fine. 3141fine.
3125 3142
3126If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3143If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3127C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 3144both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3128 3145
3129=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3146=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
3130 3147
3131If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3148If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
3132defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3149defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3139code. 3156code.
3140 3157
3141=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3158=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3142 3159
3143If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3160If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3144defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3161defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3162watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3145 3163
3146=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3164=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3147 3165
3148If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3166If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3149defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3167defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3181two). 3199two).
3182 3200
3183=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3201=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3184 3202
3185Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3203Heaps 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 3204timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3187to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has 3205to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3188noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3206faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3189 3207
3190The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3208The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3191(disabled). 3209(disabled).
3192 3210
3193=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3211=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3194 3212
3195Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3213Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3196timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3214timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3197the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 3215the 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, 3216which 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 3217but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3200noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3218noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3201 3219
3202The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3220The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3203(disabled). 3221(disabled).
3204 3222
3205=item EV_VERIFY 3223=item EV_VERIFY
3211called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 3229called 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 3230verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3213libev considerably. 3231libev considerably.
3214 3232
3215The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 3233The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3216C<0.> 3234C<0>.
3217 3235
3218=item EV_COMMON 3236=item EV_COMMON
3219 3237
3220By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3238By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3221this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3239this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
3238and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3256and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
3239definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3257definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3240their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3258their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
3241avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3259avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3242method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3260method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3261
3262=back
3243 3263
3244=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3264=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3245 3265
3246If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of 3266If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3247exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3267exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3294And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3314And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3295 3315
3296 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3316 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3297 #include "ev.c" 3317 #include "ev.c"
3298 3318
3319=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3299 3320
3300=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3321=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3301 3322
3302=head2 THREADS 3323=head3 THREADS
3303 3324
3304Libev itself is thread-safe (unless the opposite is specifically 3325All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3305documented for a function), but it uses no locking itself. This means that 3326documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3306you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as only one 3327that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3307thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop parameter: 3328are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3329parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3308libev guarentees that different event loops share no data structures that 3330of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3309need locking. 3331structures that need any locking.
3310 3332
3311Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done 3333Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3312concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter 3334concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3313must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as 3335must 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 3336only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3315a mutex per loop). 3337a mutex per loop).
3316 3338
3317Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements 3339Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3318so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of 3340so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3319concurrency on the same event loop. 3341concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3342outside".
3320 3343
3321If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops 3344If 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 3345without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3323help you. I can give some generic advice however: 3346help you, but here is some generic advice:
3324 3347
3325=over 4 3348=over 4
3326 3349
3327=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3350=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. 3351in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3352default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 3375default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3353watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 3376watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3354 3377
3355=back 3378=back
3356 3379
3357=head2 COROUTINES 3380=head3 COROUTINES
3358 3381
3359Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3382Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3360libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3383libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3361coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3384coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3362different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3385different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3363loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3386loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3364you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3387you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3365 3388
3366Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 3389Care 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. 3390C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3391they do not clal any callbacks.
3368 3392
3393=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3369 3394
3370=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3395Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3396lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3397scared by this.
3371 3398
3372In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3399However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3373libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3400has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3374documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3401warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3402targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3375 3403
3376All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3404Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3377extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3405workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3378happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3406maintainable.
3379mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3380it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3381 3407
3382=over 4 3408And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3409wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3410seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3411warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3412been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3413such buggy versions.
3383 3414
3384=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3415While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3416"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3417with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3418them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3419warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3385 3420
3386This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3387there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3388have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3389 3421
3390=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3422=head2 VALGRIND
3391 3423
3392That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3424Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3393as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3425highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3394 3426
3395=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3427If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3428in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3396 3429
3397These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3430 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3431 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3432 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3398 3433
3399=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3434Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3435is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3400 3436
3401=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3437Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3438as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3439although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3440confused.
3402 3441
3403These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3442Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3404correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3443make it into some kind of religion.
3405have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3406 3444
3407=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3445If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3446with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3447is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3448annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3449of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3408 3450
3409By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3451If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3410fixed position in the storage array. 3452I suggest using suppression lists.
3411 3453
3412=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3413 3454
3414A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3455=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3415libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3416on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3417 3456
3418=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3419
3420=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3421
3422Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3423priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3424linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3425watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3426
3427=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3428
3429=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3430
3431=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3432
3433Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3434calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3435involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3436
3437=back
3438
3439
3440=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 3457=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3441 3458
3442Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3459Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3443requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3460requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3444model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3461model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3445the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3462the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3456 3473
3457Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 3474Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3458accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 3475accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3459either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 3476either 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 3477so 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 3478megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3462available). 3479available).
3463 3480
3464Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3481Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3465the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3482the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3466is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3483is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3477 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */ 3494 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3478 3495
3479 #include "ev.h" 3496 #include "ev.h"
3480 3497
3481And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure 3498And 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!): 3499you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3483 3500
3484 #include "evwrap.h" 3501 #include "evwrap.h"
3485 #include "ev.c" 3502 #include "ev.c"
3486 3503
3487=over 4 3504=over 4
3532wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3549wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3533calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3550calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3534 3551
3535=back 3552=back
3536 3553
3537
3538=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3554=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3539 3555
3540In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3556In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3541additional extensions: 3557backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3542 3558
3543=over 4 3559=over 4
3544 3560
3545=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible 3561=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3546calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>. 3562calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3552calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 3568calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3553 3569
3554=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3570=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3555 3571
3556The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3572The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3557C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3573C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3558threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 3574threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3559believed to be sufficiently portable. 3575believed to be sufficiently portable.
3560 3576
3561=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3577=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3562 3578
3571except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3587except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3572well. 3588well.
3573 3589
3574=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3590=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3575 3591
3576To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3592To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3577internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3593instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3578non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3594systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3579is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3595least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3580millions of watchers. 3596watchers.
3581 3597
3582=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3598=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3583 3599
3584The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3600The 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 3601have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3589=back 3605=back
3590 3606
3591If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3607If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3592 3608
3593 3609
3594=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 3610=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3595 3611
3596Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3612In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3597lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3613libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3598scared by this. 3614the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3599 3615
3600However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 3616All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3601has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 3617extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3602warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 3618happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3603targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 3619mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3620average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3604 3621
3605Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 3622=over 4
3606workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3607maintainable.
3608 3623
3609And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 3624=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3610wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3611seems to warn about).
3612 3625
3613While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 3626This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3614"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 3627there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3615with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 3628have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3616them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3617warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3618 3629
3630=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3619 3631
3620=head1 VALGRIND 3632That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3633as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3621 3634
3622Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3635=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3623highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3624 3636
3625If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3637These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3626in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3627 3638
3628 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3639=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3629 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3630 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3631 3640
3632Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3641=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
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 3642
3636If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3643These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3637with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 3644correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3638a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 3645have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3639no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind 3646is rare).
3640properly.
3641 3647
3642If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3648=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3643I suggest using suppression lists. 3649
3650By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3651fixed position in the storage array.
3652
3653=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3654
3655A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3656libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3657on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3658
3659=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3660
3661=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3662
3663Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3664priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3665linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3666watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3667
3668=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3669
3670=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3671
3672=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3673
3674Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3675calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3676involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3677
3678=back
3644 3679
3645 3680
3646=head1 AUTHOR 3681=head1 AUTHOR
3647 3682
3648Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3683Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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