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Revision 1.205 by root, Mon Oct 27 12:20:32 2008 UTC

10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
215recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
216 216
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 218
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 220
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
250 } 250 }
251 251
252 ... 252 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 254
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
256 256
257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
276 276
277=back 277=back
278 278
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
280 280
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
284
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
287not.
284 288
285=over 4 289=over 4
286 290
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 292
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 385
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll syscalls are the most misdesigned of the more advanced
388support for dup. 392event mechanisms: probelsm include silently dropping events in some
393hard-to-detect cases, requiring a system call per fd change, no fork
394support, problems with dup and so on.
395
396Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
397of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
398I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
399even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
400on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
401employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
402events to filter out spurious ones.
389 403
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 404While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 405will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 406(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 407best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
394very well if you register events for both fds. 408very well if you register events for both fds.
395
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 409
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 410Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 411watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 412i.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 413starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 537responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 538calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 539the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 540for example).
531 541
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 542Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 543handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 544as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 545
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 546In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 547rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 548pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 549C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 695C<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. 696C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
687 697
688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 698This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
689 699
700It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
701
690=item ev_ref (loop) 702=item ev_ref (loop)
691 703
692=item ev_unref (loop) 704=item ev_unref (loop)
693 705
694Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 706Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
708respectively). 720respectively).
709 721
710Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 722Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
711running when nothing else is active. 723running when nothing else is active.
712 724
713 struct ev_signal exitsig; 725 ev_signal exitsig;
714 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 726 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
715 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 727 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
716 evf_unref (loop); 728 evf_unref (loop);
717 729
718Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 730Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
766they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 778they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
767 779
768=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 780=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
769 781
770This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 782This 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 783compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
772through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 784through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
773is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 785is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
774error and call C<abort ()>. 786error and call C<abort ()>.
775 787
776This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 788This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
780=back 792=back
781 793
782 794
783=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 795=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
784 796
797In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
798watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
799watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
800
785A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 801A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
786interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 802interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
787become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 803become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
788 804
789 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 805 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
790 { 806 {
791 ev_io_stop (w); 807 ev_io_stop (w);
792 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 808 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
793 } 809 }
794 810
795 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 811 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
812
796 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 813 ev_io stdin_watcher;
814
797 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 815 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
798 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 816 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
799 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 817 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
818
800 ev_loop (loop, 0); 819 ev_loop (loop, 0);
801 820
802As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 821As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
803watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 822watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
804although this can sometimes be quite valid). 823stack).
824
825Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
826or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
805 827
806Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 828Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
807(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 829(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
808callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 830callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
809watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 831watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
810is readable and/or writable). 832is readable and/or writable).
811 833
812Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 834Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
813with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 835macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
814to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 836is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
815(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 837ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
816 838
817To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 839To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
818with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 840with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
819*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 841*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
820corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 842corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
821 843
822As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 844As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
823must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 845must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
824reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 846reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
825 847
826Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 848Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
827registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 849registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
828third argument. 850third argument.
829 851
892=item C<EV_ERROR> 914=item C<EV_ERROR>
893 915
894An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 916An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
895happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 917happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
896ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 918ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
919problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
920
897problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 921You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
898with the watcher being stopped. 922watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
923an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
924bug in your program.
899 925
900Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 926Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
901example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 927example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
902callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 928callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
903the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 929the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
906 932
907=back 933=back
908 934
909=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 935=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
910 936
911In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
912e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
913
914=over 4 937=over 4
915 938
916=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 939=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
917 940
918This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 941This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
923which rolls both calls into one. 946which rolls both calls into one.
924 947
925You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 948You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
926(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 949(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
927 950
928The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 951The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
929int revents)>. 952int revents)>.
930 953
931Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 954Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
932 955
933 ev_io w; 956 ev_io w;
967 990
968 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 991 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
969 992
970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 993=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
971 994
972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 995Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
996the watcher was active or not).
997
973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 998It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
974non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 999non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
975C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1000calling 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 1001pending. 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. 1002therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
978 1003
979=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1004=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
980 1005
981Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1006Returns 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 1007and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1024The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1049The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1025always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1050always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1026 1051
1027Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1052Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1028fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1053fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1029or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1054or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1030 1055
1031=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1056=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1032 1057
1033Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1058Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1034C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1059C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1056member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1081member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1057data: 1082data:
1058 1083
1059 struct my_io 1084 struct my_io
1060 { 1085 {
1061 struct ev_io io; 1086 ev_io io;
1062 int otherfd; 1087 int otherfd;
1063 void *somedata; 1088 void *somedata;
1064 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1089 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1065 }; 1090 };
1066 1091
1069 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1094 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1070 1095
1071And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1096And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1072can cast it back to your own type: 1097can cast it back to your own type:
1073 1098
1074 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1099 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1075 { 1100 {
1076 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1101 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1077 ... 1102 ...
1078 } 1103 }
1079 1104
1097programmers): 1122programmers):
1098 1123
1099 #include <stddef.h> 1124 #include <stddef.h>
1100 1125
1101 static void 1126 static void
1102 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1127 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1103 { 1128 {
1104 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1129 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1105 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1130 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1106 } 1131 }
1107 1132
1108 static void 1133 static void
1109 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1134 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1110 { 1135 {
1111 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1136 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1112 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1137 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1113 } 1138 }
1114 1139
1249Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1274Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1250readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1275readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1251attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1276attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1252 1277
1253 static void 1278 static void
1254 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1279 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1255 { 1280 {
1256 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1281 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1257 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1282 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1258 } 1283 }
1259 1284
1260 ... 1285 ...
1261 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1286 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1262 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1287 ev_io stdin_readable;
1263 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1288 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1264 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1289 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1265 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1290 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1266 1291
1267 1292
1278 1303
1279The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1304The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1280passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1305passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1281then order of execution is undefined. 1306then order of execution is undefined.
1282 1307
1308=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1309
1310Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1311recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1312you want to raise some error after a while.
1313
1314What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1315inefficient to smart and efficient.
1316
1317In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1318gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1319data or other life sign was received).
1320
1321=over 4
1322
1323=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1324
1325This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1326start the watcher:
1327
1328 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1329 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1330
1331Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1332and start it again:
1333
1334 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1335 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1336 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1337
1338This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1339some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1340data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1341still not a constant-time operation.
1342
1343=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1344
1345This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1346C<ev_timer_start>.
1347
1348To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1349of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1350successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1351you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1352the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1353
1354That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1355C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1356member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1357
1358At start:
1359
1360 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1361 timer->repeat = 60.;
1362 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1363
1364Each time there is some activity:
1365
1366 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1367
1368It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1369whether the watcher is active or not:
1370
1371 timer->repeat = 30.;
1372 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1373
1374This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1375you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1376remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1377
1378It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1379
1380=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1381
1382This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1383relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1384our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1385associated activity resets.
1386
1387In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1388but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1389within the callback:
1390
1391 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1392
1393 static void
1394 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1395 {
1396 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1397 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1398
1399 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1400 if (timeout < now)
1401 {
1402 // timeout occured, take action
1403 }
1404 else
1405 {
1406 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1407 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1408 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1409 w->again = timeout - now;
1410 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1411 }
1412 }
1413
1414To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1415as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1416been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1417the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1418re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1419a timeout then.
1420
1421Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1422C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1423
1424This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1425minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1426libev to change the timeout.
1427
1428To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1429to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1430callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1431
1432 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1433 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1434 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1435
1436And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1437C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1438
1439 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1440
1441This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1442time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1443
1444Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1445callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1446fix things for you.
1447
1448=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1449
1450If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1451employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1452do even better:
1453
1454When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1455at the I<end> of the list.
1456
1457Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1458the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1459
1460When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1461the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1462update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1463
1464This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1465starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1466complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1467ensures that the list stays sorted.
1468
1469=back
1470
1471So which method the best?
1472
1473Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1474situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1475better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1476one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1477
1478Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1479rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1480off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1481overkill :)
1482
1283=head3 The special problem of time updates 1483=head3 The special problem of time updates
1284 1484
1285Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1485Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1286least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1486least 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 1487time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1330If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1530If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1331 1531
1332If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1532If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1333C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1533C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1334 1534
1335This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1535This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1336example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 1536usage example.
1337timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1338seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1339configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1340C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1341you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1342socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1343automatically restart it if need be.
1344
1345That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1346altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1347
1348 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1349 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1350 ...
1351 timer->again = 17.;
1352 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1353 ...
1354 timer->again = 10.;
1355 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1356
1357This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1358you want to modify its timeout value.
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 1537
1366=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1538=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1367 1539
1368The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1540The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1369or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 1541or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1374=head3 Examples 1546=head3 Examples
1375 1547
1376Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1548Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1377 1549
1378 static void 1550 static void
1379 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1551 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1380 { 1552 {
1381 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1553 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1382 } 1554 }
1383 1555
1384 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1556 ev_timer mytimer;
1385 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1557 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1386 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1558 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1387 1559
1388Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1560Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1389inactivity. 1561inactivity.
1390 1562
1391 static void 1563 static void
1392 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1564 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1393 { 1565 {
1394 .. ten seconds without any activity 1566 .. ten seconds without any activity
1395 } 1567 }
1396 1568
1397 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1569 ev_timer mytimer;
1398 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1570 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1399 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1571 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1400 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1572 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1401 1573
1402 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1574 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1488 1660
1489If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 1661If 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 1662it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1491only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 1663only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1492 1664
1493The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 1665The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1494*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1666*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1495 1667
1668 static ev_tstamp
1496 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1669 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1497 { 1670 {
1498 return now + 60.; 1671 return now + 60.;
1499 } 1672 }
1500 1673
1501It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1674It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1538 1711
1539The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1712The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1540take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1713take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1541called. 1714called.
1542 1715
1543=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1716=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1544 1717
1545The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1718The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1546switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1719switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1547the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1720the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1548 1721
1553Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1726Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1554system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1727system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1555potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 1728potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1556 1729
1557 static void 1730 static void
1558 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1731 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1559 { 1732 {
1560 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1733 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1561 } 1734 }
1562 1735
1563 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1736 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1564 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1737 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1565 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1738 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1566 1739
1567Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1740Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1568 1741
1569 #include <math.h> 1742 #include <math.h>
1570 1743
1571 static ev_tstamp 1744 static ev_tstamp
1572 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1745 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1573 { 1746 {
1574 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 1747 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1575 } 1748 }
1576 1749
1577 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1750 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1578 1751
1579Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1752Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1580 1753
1581 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1754 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1582 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1755 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1583 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1756 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1584 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1757 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1585 1758
1586 1759
1625 1798
1626=back 1799=back
1627 1800
1628=head3 Examples 1801=head3 Examples
1629 1802
1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1803Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1631 1804
1632 static void 1805 static void
1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1806 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1634 { 1807 {
1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1808 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1636 } 1809 }
1637 1810
1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1811 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1812 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1813 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1641 1814
1642 1815
1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1816=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1644 1817
1645Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1818Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1718its completion. 1891its completion.
1719 1892
1720 ev_child cw; 1893 ev_child cw;
1721 1894
1722 static void 1895 static void
1723 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1896 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1724 { 1897 {
1725 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1898 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1726 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1899 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1727 } 1900 }
1728 1901
1792to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 1965to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1793default compilation environment. 1966default compilation environment.
1794 1967
1795=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 1968=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1796 1969
1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1970When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1971only 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 1972implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1973change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1974lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1801 1975
1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1976Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1803except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1977except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 1978making 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, 1979there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1979 2153
1980Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2154Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1981callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2155callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1982 2156
1983 static void 2157 static void
1984 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2158 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1985 { 2159 {
1986 free (w); 2160 free (w);
1987 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2161 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1988 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2162 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1989 } 2163 }
1990 2164
1991 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2165 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1992 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2166 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1993 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2167 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1994 2168
1995 2169
1996=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2170=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2077 2251
2078 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2252 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2079 static ev_timer tw; 2253 static ev_timer tw;
2080 2254
2081 static void 2255 static void
2082 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2256 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2083 { 2257 {
2084 } 2258 }
2085 2259
2086 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2260 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2087 static void 2261 static void
2088 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2262 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2089 { 2263 {
2090 int timeout = 3600000; 2264 int timeout = 3600000;
2091 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2265 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2092 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2266 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2093 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2267 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2108 } 2282 }
2109 } 2283 }
2110 2284
2111 // stop all watchers after blocking 2285 // stop all watchers after blocking
2112 static void 2286 static void
2113 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2287 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2114 { 2288 {
2115 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2289 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2116 2290
2117 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2291 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2118 { 2292 {
2233when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2407when 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 2408but 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, 2409yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2236and future versions of libev might do just that. 2410and future versions of libev might do just that.
2237 2411
2238Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2412Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2239C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2413C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2240portable one. 2414portable one.
2241 2415
2242So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2416So 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 2417that 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 2418this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2245create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2419create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2420
2421=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2422
2423While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2424automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2425fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2426however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2427as applicable.
2246 2428
2247=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2248 2430
2249=over 4 2431=over 4
2250 2432
2278C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 2460C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2279used). 2461used).
2280 2462
2281 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2463 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2282 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2464 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2283 struct ev_embed embed; 2465 ev_embed embed;
2284 2466
2285 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2467 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2286 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2468 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2287 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2469 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2288 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2470 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2302kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2484kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2303C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2485C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2304 2486
2305 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2487 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2306 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2488 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2307 struct ev_embed embed; 2489 ev_embed embed;
2308 2490
2309 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2491 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2310 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2492 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2311 { 2493 {
2312 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2494 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2368is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2550is 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 2551multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2370need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2552need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2371 2553
2372That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2554That 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 2555queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2374queue: 2556queue:
2375 2557
2376=over 4 2558=over 4
2377 2559
2378=item queueing from a signal handler context 2560=item queueing from a signal handler context
2379 2561
2380To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2562To 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 2563handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2382some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler: 2564an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2383 2565
2384 static ev_async mysig; 2566 static ev_async mysig;
2385 2567
2386 static void 2568 static void
2387 sigusr1_handler (void) 2569 sigusr1_handler (void)
2454 2636
2455=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2637=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2456 2638
2457Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2639Initialises 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, 2640kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2459believe me. 2641trust me.
2460 2642
2461=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2643=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2462 2644
2463Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2645Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2464an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2646an 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 2647C<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 2648similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2467section below on what exactly this means). 2649section below on what exactly this means).
2468 2650
2469This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 2651This 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 2652so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2494=over 4 2676=over 4
2495 2677
2496=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2678=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2497 2679
2498This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2680This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2499callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2681callback 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 2682watchers. 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 2683or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2502more watchers yourself. 2684more watchers yourself.
2503 2685
2504If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2686If 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 2687C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2506C<events> set will be created and started. 2688the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2507 2689
2508If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2690If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2509started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2691started. 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 2692repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2511dubious value.
2512 2693
2513The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2694The 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 2695passed 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> 2696C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2516value passed to C<ev_once>: 2697value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2698a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2699events precedence.
2700
2701Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2517 2702
2518 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2703 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2519 { 2704 {
2705 if (revents & EV_READ)
2706 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2520 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2707 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2521 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2708 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2522 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2523 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2524 } 2709 }
2525 2710
2526 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2711 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2527 2712
2528=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2713=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2529 2714
2530Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2715Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2531had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2716had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2532initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2717initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2533 2718
2534=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2719=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2535 2720
2536Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2721Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2537the given events it. 2722the given events it.
2538 2723
2539=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2724=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2540 2725
2541Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 2726Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2542loop!). 2727loop!).
2543 2728
2544=back 2729=back
2676 2861
2677The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2862The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2678 2863
2679See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2864See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2680 2865
2681Example: 2866Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2682 2867
2683 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2868 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2684 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2869 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2685 2870
2686=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2871=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2724Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2909Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2725the constructor. 2910the constructor.
2726 2911
2727 class myclass 2912 class myclass
2728 { 2913 {
2729 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2914 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2730 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2915 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2731 2916
2732 myclass (int fd) 2917 myclass (int fd)
2733 { 2918 {
2734 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2919 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2735 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2920 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2751=item Perl 2936=item Perl
2752 2937
2753The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2938The 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, 2939libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2755there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2940there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2756to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2941to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2757C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2942C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2943and C<EV::Glib>).
2758 2944
2759It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at 2945It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2760L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2946L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2761 2947
2762=item Python 2948=item Python
2778=item D 2964=item D
2779 2965
2780Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2966Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2781be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 2967be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2782 2968
2969=item Ocaml
2970
2971Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2972L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2973
2783=back 2974=back
2784 2975
2785 2976
2786=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2977=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2787 2978
2941 3132
2942=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3133=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2943 3134
2944Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3135Libev 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 3136define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2946autoconf is noted for every option. 3137autoconf is documented for every option.
2947 3138
2948=over 4 3139=over 4
2949 3140
2950=item EV_STANDALONE 3141=item EV_STANDALONE
2951 3142
3121When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3312When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3122all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3313all 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 3314and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3124fine. 3315fine.
3125 3316
3126If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3317If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3127C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 3318both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3128 3319
3129=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3320=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
3130 3321
3131If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3322If 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 3323defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3139code. 3330code.
3140 3331
3141=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3332=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3142 3333
3143If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3334If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3144defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3335defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3336watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3145 3337
3146=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3338=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3147 3339
3148If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3340If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3149defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3341defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3181two). 3373two).
3182 3374
3183=item EV_USE_4HEAP 3375=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3184 3376
3185Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3377Heaps 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 3378timer 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 3379to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3188noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 3380faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3189 3381
3190The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3382The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3191(disabled). 3383(disabled).
3192 3384
3193=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 3385=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3194 3386
3195Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 3387Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3196timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 3388timer 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>), 3389the 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, 3390which 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 3391but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3200noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers. 3392noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3201 3393
3202The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 3394The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3203(disabled). 3395(disabled).
3204 3396
3205=item EV_VERIFY 3397=item EV_VERIFY
3211called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 3403called 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 3404verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3213libev considerably. 3405libev considerably.
3214 3406
3215The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 3407The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3216C<0.> 3408C<0>.
3217 3409
3218=item EV_COMMON 3410=item EV_COMMON
3219 3411
3220By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3412By 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 3413this 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 3430and 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 3431definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
3240their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3432their 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 3433avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3242method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3434method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3435
3436=back
3243 3437
3244=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3438=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3245 3439
3246If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of 3440If 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 3441exported 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: 3488And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3295 3489
3296 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3490 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3297 #include "ev.c" 3491 #include "ev.c"
3298 3492
3493=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3299 3494
3300=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3495=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3301 3496
3302=head2 THREADS 3497=head3 THREADS
3303 3498
3304Libev itself is thread-safe (unless the opposite is specifically 3499All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3305documented for a function), but it uses no locking itself. This means that 3500documented 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 3501that 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: 3502are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3503parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3308libev guarentees that different event loops share no data structures that 3504of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3309need locking. 3505structures that need any locking.
3310 3506
3311Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done 3507Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3312concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter 3508concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3313must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as 3509must 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 3510only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3315a mutex per loop). 3511a mutex per loop).
3316 3512
3317Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements 3513Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3318so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of 3514so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3319concurrency on the same event loop. 3515concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3516outside".
3320 3517
3321If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops 3518If 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 3519without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3323help you. I can give some generic advice however: 3520help you, but here is some generic advice:
3324 3521
3325=over 4 3522=over 4
3326 3523
3327=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3524=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. 3525in 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 3549default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3353watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 3550watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3354 3551
3355=back 3552=back
3356 3553
3357=head2 COROUTINES 3554=head3 COROUTINES
3358 3555
3359Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3556Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3360libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3557libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3361coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3558coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3362different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3559different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3363loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3560loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3364you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3561you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3365 3562
3366Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 3563Care 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. 3564C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3565they do not clal any callbacks.
3368 3566
3567=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3369 3568
3370=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3569Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3570lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3571scared by this.
3371 3572
3372In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3573However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3373libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3574has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3374documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3575warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3576targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3375 3577
3376All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3578Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3377extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3579workarounds, 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 3580maintainable.
3379mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3380it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3381 3581
3382=over 4 3582And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3583wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3584seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3585warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3586been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3587such buggy versions.
3383 3588
3384=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3589While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3590"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3591with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3592them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3593warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3385 3594
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 3595
3390=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3596=head2 VALGRIND
3391 3597
3392That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3598Valgrind 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. 3599highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3394 3600
3395=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3601If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3602in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3396 3603
3397These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3604 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3605 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3606 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3398 3607
3399=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3608Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3609is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3400 3610
3401=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3611Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3612as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3613although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3614confused.
3402 3615
3403These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3616Keep 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 3617make it into some kind of religion.
3405have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3406 3618
3407=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3619If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3620with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3621is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3622annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3623of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3408 3624
3409By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 3625If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3410fixed position in the storage array. 3626I suggest using suppression lists.
3411 3627
3412=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3413 3628
3414A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3629=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 3630
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 3631=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3441 3632
3442Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3633Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3443requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3634requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3444model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3635model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3445the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3636the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3456 3647
3457Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 3648Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3458accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 3649accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3459either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 3650either 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 3651so 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 3652megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3462available). 3653available).
3463 3654
3464Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and 3655Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3465the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 3656the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3466is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 3657is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3477 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */ 3668 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3478 3669
3479 #include "ev.h" 3670 #include "ev.h"
3480 3671
3481And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure 3672And 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!): 3673you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3483 3674
3484 #include "evwrap.h" 3675 #include "evwrap.h"
3485 #include "ev.c" 3676 #include "ev.c"
3486 3677
3487=over 4 3678=over 4
3532wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3723wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3533calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3724calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3534 3725
3535=back 3726=back
3536 3727
3537
3538=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 3728=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3539 3729
3540In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 3730In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3541additional extensions: 3731backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3542 3732
3543=over 4 3733=over 4
3544 3734
3545=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible 3735=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3546calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>. 3736calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3552calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 3742calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3553 3743
3554=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 3744=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3555 3745
3556The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 3746The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3557C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different 3747C<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 3748threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3559believed to be sufficiently portable. 3749believed to be sufficiently portable.
3560 3750
3561=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment 3751=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3562 3752
3571except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 3761except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3572well. 3762well.
3573 3763
3574=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 3764=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3575 3765
3576To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 3766To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3577internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 3767instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3578non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 3768systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3579is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 3769least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3580millions of watchers. 3770watchers.
3581 3771
3582=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 3772=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3583 3773
3584The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 3774The 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 3775have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3589=back 3779=back
3590 3780
3591If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 3781If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3592 3782
3593 3783
3594=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 3784=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3595 3785
3596Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 3786In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3597lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 3787libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3598scared by this. 3788the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3599 3789
3600However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 3790All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3601has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 3791extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3602warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 3792happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3603targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 3793mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3794average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3604 3795
3605Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 3796=over 4
3606workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3607maintainable.
3608 3797
3609And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 3798=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 3799
3613While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 3800This 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 3801there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3615with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 3802have 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 3803
3804=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3619 3805
3620=head1 VALGRIND 3806That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3807as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3621 3808
3622Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 3809=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3623highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3624 3810
3625If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 3811These 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 3812
3628 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 3813=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 3814
3632Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 3815=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 3816
3636If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 3817These 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 3818correct 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 3819have 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 3820is rare).
3640properly.
3641 3821
3642If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 3822=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3643I suggest using suppression lists. 3823
3824By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3825fixed position in the storage array.
3826
3827=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3828
3829A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3830libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3831on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3832
3833=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3834
3835=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3836
3837Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3838priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3839linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3840watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3841
3842=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3843
3844=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3845
3846=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3847
3848Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3849calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3850involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3851
3852=back
3644 3853
3645 3854
3646=head1 AUTHOR 3855=head1 AUTHOR
3647 3856
3648Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3857Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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