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9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 20
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 23 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 25 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 30
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
40 } 42 }
41 43
42 int 44 int
43 main (void) 45 main (void)
44 { 46 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
47 49
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 59
58 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
60 62
61 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 64 return 0;
63 } 65 }
64 66
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
66 70
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
70 92
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 95these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 96
84=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
85 107
86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
95(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
96 119
97It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
99for example). 122for example).
100 123
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 132this argument.
110 133
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 135
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
120throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
121 145
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123 147
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
149 173
150=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
151 175
152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
154you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
155 180
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157 182
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
178not a problem. 203not a problem.
179 204
180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
181version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
182 208
183 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
186 212
197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
199 225
200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
201 227
202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
208 235
209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
210 237
211Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
212is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
213might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
215recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
216 243
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 245
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
220 247
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics 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 250used 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 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
250 } 277 }
251 278
252 ... 279 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 281
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
256 283
257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
272 } 299 }
273 300
274 ... 301 ...
275 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
276 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
277=back 317=back
278 318
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
280 320
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 321An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
324
325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
327do not.
284 328
285=over 4 329=over 4
286 330
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 332
289This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
290yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
291false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
293 343
294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
295function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
296 346
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
300 351
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 353and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 354a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 355C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
306C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
307 376
308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
310 379
311The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 395useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
327around bugs. 396around bugs.
328 397
329=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
330 399
331Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 400Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
332a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 401make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
333enabling this flag.
334 402
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 403This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 404and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 405iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 406GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
344flag. 412flag.
345 413
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 414This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable. 415environment variable.
348 416
417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
418
419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
423
424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
425
426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
431threads that are not interested in handling them.
432
433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448
349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
350 450
351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 453but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 477This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 478C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379 479
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 481
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels).
484
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 486but 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), 487like 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 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 489
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect.
500
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
389 512
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While 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 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 517file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 518file descriptors.
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.
399 519
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 520Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 521watchers 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 522i.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 523starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead. 524extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
525as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
526take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
527
528All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
529faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
530the usage. So sad.
405 531
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 532While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
407all kernel versions tested so far. 533all kernel versions tested so far.
408 534
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 535This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 536C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411 537
412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 538=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
413 539
414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was 540Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with 541was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's 542with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless 543it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or 544is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD. 545without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
546"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
547C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
548system like NetBSD.
420 549
421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 550You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 551only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 552the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
424 553
425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 554It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 555kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 556course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 557cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 558two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 559sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
560cases
431 561
432This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 562This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
433 563
434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 564While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 565everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 566almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 567(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it, 568(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
439using it only for sockets. 569also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
440 570
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 571This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with 572C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>. 573C<NOTE_EOF>.
444 574
464might perform better. 594might perform better.
465 595
466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 596On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification 597notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 598in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends. 599OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
470 600
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 601This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 602C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
473 603
474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 604=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
475 605
476Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 606Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
477with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 607with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
478C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 608C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
479 609
480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 610It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
611C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
612at all.
613
614=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
615
616Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
617C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
618value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
481 619
482=back 620=back
483 621
484If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 622If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
485backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 623then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 624here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
487 625()> will be tried.
488Example: This is the most typical usage.
489
490 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
492
493Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
494environment settings to be taken into account:
495
496 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
497
498Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
499used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
500private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
501fds):
502
503 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
504
505=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
506
507Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
508always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
509handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
510undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
511
512Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
513libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
514default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
515 626
516Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 627Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
517 628
518 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 629 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
519 if (!epoller) 630 if (!epoller)
520 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 631 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
521 632
633Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
634used if available.
635
636 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
637
522=item ev_default_destroy () 638=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
523 639
524Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 640Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
525etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 641etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
526sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 642sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 643responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 644calling 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 645the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 646for example).
531 647
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 648Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 649handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 650as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 651
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 652This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 653C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
654C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
655
656Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
657except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 658If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 659and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
540 660
541=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 661=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
542 662
543Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
544earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
545
546=item ev_default_fork ()
547
548This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 663This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
549to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 664reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
550name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 665name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
551the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 666the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
552sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 667child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
553functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 668
669Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
670a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
671because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
672during fork.
554 673
555On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 674On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
556process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 675process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
557you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 676you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
677call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
678difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
679costly reset of the backend).
558 680
559The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 681The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
560it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 682it just in case after a fork.
561quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
562 683
684Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
685using pthreads.
686
687 static void
688 post_fork_child (void)
689 {
690 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
691 }
692
693 ...
563 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 694 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
564
565=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
566
567Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
568C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
569after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
570entirely your own problem.
571 695
572=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 696=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
573 697
574Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 698Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
575otherwise. 699otherwise.
576 700
577=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 701=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
578 702
579Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 703Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
580the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 704to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
581happily wraps around with enough iterations. 705and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
582 706
583This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 707This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
584"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 708"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
585C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 709C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
710prepare and check phases.
711
712=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
713
714Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
715times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
716
717Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
718C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
719in which case it is higher.
720
721Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
722throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
723as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
724convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
586 725
587=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 726=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
588 727
589Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 728Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
590use. 729use.
599 738
600=item ev_now_update (loop) 739=item ev_now_update (loop)
601 740
602Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 741Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
603returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 742returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
604is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 743is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
605 744
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 745This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
607very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 746very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea. 747the current time is a good idea.
609 748
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 749See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
611 750
751=item ev_suspend (loop)
752
753=item ev_resume (loop)
754
755These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
756loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
757
758A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
759the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
760would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
761the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
762in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
763C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
764
765Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
766between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
767will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
768occurred while suspended).
769
770After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
771given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
772without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
773
774Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
775event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
776
612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 777=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
613 778
614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 779Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 780after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
616events. 781handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
782the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
783is why event loops are called I<loops>.
617 784
618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 785If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
619either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 786until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
787called.
620 788
621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 789Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
622relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 790relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
623finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 791finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
624that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 792that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
625of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 793of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
626beauty. 794beauty.
627 795
796This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
797a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
798exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
799will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
800
628A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 801A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
629those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 802those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
630process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 803block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
631the loop. 804iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
805events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
632 806
633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 807A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 808necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 809will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a 810be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 811user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop. 812iteration of the loop.
639 813
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 814This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 815with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
642own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 816own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
643usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 817usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
644 818
645Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 819Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
646 820
821 - Increment loop depth.
822 - Reset the ev_break status.
647 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 823 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
824 LOOP:
648 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 825 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
649 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 826 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
650 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 827 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
828 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
651 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 829 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
652 as to not disturb the other process. 830 as to not disturb the other process.
653 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 831 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
654 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 832 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
655 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 833 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
656 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 834 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
657 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 835 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
658 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 836 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
837 - Increment loop iteration counter.
659 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 838 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
660 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 839 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 840 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
662 - Queue all expired timers. 841 - Queue all expired timers.
663 - Queue all expired periodics. 842 - Queue all expired periodics.
664 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 843 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
665 - Queue all check watchers. 844 - Queue all check watchers.
666 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 845 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
667 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 846 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
668 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 847 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
669 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 848 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
670 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 849 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
671 continue with step *. 850 continue with step LOOP.
851 FINISH:
852 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
853 - Decrement the loop depth.
854 - Return.
672 855
673Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 856Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
674anymore. 857anymore.
675 858
676 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 859 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
677 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 860 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
678 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 861 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
679 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 862 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
680 863
681=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 864=item ev_break (loop, how)
682 865
683Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 866Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
684has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 867has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 868C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 869C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
687 870
688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 871This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
872
873It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
874which case it will have no effect.
689 875
690=item ev_ref (loop) 876=item ev_ref (loop)
691 877
692=item ev_unref (loop) 878=item ev_unref (loop)
693 879
694Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 880Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
695loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 881loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
696count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 882count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
697 883
698If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 884This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
699from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 885unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
886returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
700stopping it. 887before stopping it.
701 888
702As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 889As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
703not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 890is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
704if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 891exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
705way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 892excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
706libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 893third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
707(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 894before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
708respectively). 895before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
896(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
897in the callback).
709 898
710Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 899Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
711running when nothing else is active. 900running when nothing else is active.
712 901
713 struct ev_signal exitsig; 902 ev_signal exitsig;
714 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 903 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
715 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 904 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
716 evf_unref (loop); 905 ev_unref (loop);
717 906
718Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 907Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
719 908
720 ev_ref (loop); 909 ev_ref (loop);
721 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
742 931
743By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 932By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
744time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 933time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
745at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 934at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
746C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 935C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
747introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 936introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
937sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
938once per this interval, on average.
748 939
749Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 940Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
750to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 941to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
751latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 942latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
752later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 943later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
754 945
755Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 946Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
756interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 947interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
757interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 948interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
758usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 949usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
759as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 950as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
951you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
952parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
953need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
954then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
760 955
761Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 956Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
762saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 957saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
763are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 958are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
764times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 959times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
765reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 960reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
766they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 961they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
767 962
963Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
964more often than 100 times per second:
965
966 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
967 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
968
969=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
970
971This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
972pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
973but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
974function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
975when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
976event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
977thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
978
979=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
980
981Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
982are pending.
983
984=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
985
986This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
987invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
988this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
989invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
990
991If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
992callback.
993
994=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
995
996Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
997can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
998each call to a libev function.
999
1000However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1001to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1002loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
1003I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1004
1005When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1006suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1007afterwards.
1008
1009Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
1010C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
1011
1012While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
1013C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
1014modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
1015have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
1016waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
1017to take note of any changes you made.
1018
1019In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
1020invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
1021
1022See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
1023document.
1024
1025=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
1026
1027=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
1028
1029Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
1030C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
1031C<0>.
1032
1033These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
1034and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
1035C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
1036any other purpose as well.
1037
768=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1038=item ev_verify (loop)
769 1039
770This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1040This 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 1041compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
772through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1042through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
773is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1043is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
774error and call C<abort ()>. 1044error and call C<abort ()>.
775 1045
776This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 1046This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
780=back 1050=back
781 1051
782 1052
783=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 1053=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
784 1054
1055In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
1056watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
1057watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
1058
785A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1059A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
786interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1060your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
787become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1061to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1062for that:
788 1063
789 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1064 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
790 { 1065 {
791 ev_io_stop (w); 1066 ev_io_stop (w);
792 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1067 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
793 } 1068 }
794 1069
795 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1070 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
1071
796 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 1072 ev_io stdin_watcher;
1073
797 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1074 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
798 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1075 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
799 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1076 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
1077
800 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1078 ev_run (loop, 0);
801 1079
802As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1080As 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, 1081watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
804although this can sometimes be quite valid). 1082stack).
805 1083
1084Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1085or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1086
806Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1087Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
807(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1088*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
808callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1089invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
809watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1090time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
810is readable and/or writable). 1091and/or writable).
811 1092
812Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 1093Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
813with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 1094macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
814to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 1095is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
815(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1096ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
816 1097
817To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 1098To 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 1099with 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 1100*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
820corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1101corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
821 1102
822As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1103As 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 1104must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
824reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 1105reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
825 1106
826Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1107Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
827registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1108registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
828third argument. 1109third argument.
829 1110
838=item C<EV_WRITE> 1119=item C<EV_WRITE>
839 1120
840The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1121The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
841writable. 1122writable.
842 1123
843=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1124=item C<EV_TIMER>
844 1125
845The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1126The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
846 1127
847=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1128=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
848 1129
866 1147
867=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1148=item C<EV_PREPARE>
868 1149
869=item C<EV_CHECK> 1150=item C<EV_CHECK>
870 1151
871All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1152All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
872to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1153to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
873C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1154C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
874received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1155received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
875many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1156many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
876(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1157(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
877C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1158C<ev_run> from blocking).
878 1159
879=item C<EV_EMBED> 1160=item C<EV_EMBED>
880 1161
881The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1162The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
882 1163
883=item C<EV_FORK> 1164=item C<EV_FORK>
884 1165
885The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1166The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
886C<ev_fork>). 1167C<ev_fork>).
887 1168
1169=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1170
1171The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1172
888=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1173=item C<EV_ASYNC>
889 1174
890The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1175The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1176
1177=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1178
1179Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1180by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
891 1181
892=item C<EV_ERROR> 1182=item C<EV_ERROR>
893 1183
894An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1184An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
895happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1185happen 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 1186ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1187problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1188
897problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1189You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
898with the watcher being stopped. 1190watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1191an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1192bug in your program.
899 1193
900Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 1194Libev 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 1195example 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 1196callbacks 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 1197the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
906 1200
907=back 1201=back
908 1202
909=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1203=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
910 1204
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 1205=over 4
915 1206
916=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1207=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
917 1208
918This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents 1209This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
923which rolls both calls into one. 1214which rolls both calls into one.
924 1215
925You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1216You 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. 1217(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
927 1218
928The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1219The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
929int revents)>. 1220int revents)>.
930 1221
931Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 1222Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
932 1223
933 ev_io w; 1224 ev_io w;
934 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1225 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
935 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1226 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
936 1227
937=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1228=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
938 1229
939This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1230This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
940call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1231call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
941call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1232call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
942macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1233macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
955 1246
956Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1247Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
957 1248
958 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1249 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
959 1250
960=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1251=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
961 1252
962Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1253Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
963events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1254events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
964 1255
965Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1256Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
966whole section. 1257whole section.
967 1258
968 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1259 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
969 1260
970=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1261=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
971 1262
972Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1263Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1264the watcher was active or not).
1265
973status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1266It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
974non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1267non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
975C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1268calling 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 1269pending. 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. 1270therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
978 1271
979=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1272=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
980 1273
981Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1274Returns 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 1275and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
998=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1291=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
999 1292
1000Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1293Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1001(modulo threads). 1294(modulo threads).
1002 1295
1003=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1296=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1004 1297
1005=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1298=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1006 1299
1007Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1300Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1008integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1301integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1009(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1302(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1010before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1303before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1011from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1304from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1012 1305
1013This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1014invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1015example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1016watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1017
1018If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1306If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1019you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1307you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1020 1308
1021You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1309You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1022pending. 1310pending.
1023 1311
1312Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1313fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1314or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1315
1024The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1316The 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 :). 1317always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1026 1318
1027Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1319See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1028fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1320priorities.
1029or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
1030 1321
1031=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1322=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1032 1323
1033Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1324Invoke 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 1325C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1042watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1333watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1043 1334
1044Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1335Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1045callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1336callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1046 1337
1338=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1339
1340Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1341had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1342initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1343not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1344
1345Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1346C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1347not started in the first place.
1348
1349See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1350functions that do not need a watcher.
1351
1047=back 1352=back
1048
1049 1353
1050=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1354=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1051 1355
1052Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1356Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1053and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1357and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1056member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1360member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1057data: 1361data:
1058 1362
1059 struct my_io 1363 struct my_io
1060 { 1364 {
1061 struct ev_io io; 1365 ev_io io;
1062 int otherfd; 1366 int otherfd;
1063 void *somedata; 1367 void *somedata;
1064 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1368 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1065 }; 1369 };
1066 1370
1069 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1373 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1070 1374
1071And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1375And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1072can cast it back to your own type: 1376can cast it back to your own type:
1073 1377
1074 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1378 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1075 { 1379 {
1076 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1380 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1077 ... 1381 ...
1078 } 1382 }
1079 1383
1097programmers): 1401programmers):
1098 1402
1099 #include <stddef.h> 1403 #include <stddef.h>
1100 1404
1101 static void 1405 static void
1102 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1406 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1103 { 1407 {
1104 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1408 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1105 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1409 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1106 } 1410 }
1107 1411
1108 static void 1412 static void
1109 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1413 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1110 { 1414 {
1111 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1415 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1112 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1416 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1113 } 1417 }
1418
1419=head2 WATCHER STATES
1420
1421There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1422active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1423transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1424rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1425
1426=over 4
1427
1428=item initialiased
1429
1430Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1431initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1432C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1433
1434In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1435in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1436
1437=item started/running/active
1438
1439Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1440property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1441this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1442freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1443and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1444
1445=item pending
1446
1447If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1448in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1449stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1450about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1451callback.
1452
1453The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1454an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1455is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1456but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1457moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1458previous item still apply.
1459
1460It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1461via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1462active.
1463
1464=item stopped
1465
1466A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1467be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1468latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1469of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1470freeing it is often a good idea.
1471
1472While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1473initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1474you wish.
1475
1476=back
1477
1478=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1479
1480Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1481integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1482between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1483
1484In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1485description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1486range.
1487
1488There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1489by event loops:
1490
1491In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1492of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1493watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1494
1495The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1496callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1497watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1498before polling for new events.
1499
1500Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1501except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1502
1503The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1504watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1505libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1506their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1507common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1508priority ones.
1509
1510Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1511watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1512C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1513timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1514other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1515handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1516the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1517handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1518always, what you want).
1519
1520Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1521will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1522received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1523required.
1524
1525For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1526you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1527the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1528processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1529continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1530the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1531workable.
1532
1533Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1534miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1535it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1536idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1537the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1538
1539Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1540priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1541other events are pending:
1542
1543 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1544 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1545
1546 static void
1547 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1548 {
1549 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1550 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1551 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1552
1553 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1554 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1555 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1556 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1557 }
1558
1559 static void
1560 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1561 {
1562 // actual processing
1563 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1564
1565 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1566 // we have handled the event
1567 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1568 }
1569
1570 // initialisation
1571 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1572 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1573 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1574
1575In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1576low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1577enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1578during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1579important ones.
1114 1580
1115 1581
1116=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1582=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1117 1583
1118This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1584This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1144descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1610descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1145required if you know what you are doing). 1611required if you know what you are doing).
1146 1612
1147If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1613If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1148known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1614known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1149C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1615C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1616descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1617files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1150 1618
1151Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1619Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1152receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1620receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1153be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1621be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1154because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1622because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1219 1687
1220So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1688So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1221ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1689ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1222somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1690somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1223 1691
1692=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1693
1694Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1695found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1696connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1697
1698For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1699of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1700rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1701the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1702typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1703
1704Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1705operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1706situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1707cope with overload is known (to me).
1708
1709One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1710- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1711situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1712event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1713
1714A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1715C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1716messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1717what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1718the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1719usage.
1720
1721If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1722descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1723when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1724close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1725clients under typical overload conditions.
1726
1727The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1728is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1729opportunity for a DoS attack.
1224 1730
1225=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1731=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1226 1732
1227=over 4 1733=over 4
1228 1734
1249Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1755Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1250readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1756readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1251attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1757attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1252 1758
1253 static void 1759 static void
1254 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1760 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1255 { 1761 {
1256 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1762 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1257 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1763 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1258 } 1764 }
1259 1765
1260 ... 1766 ...
1261 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1767 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1262 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1768 ev_io stdin_readable;
1263 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1769 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1264 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1770 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1265 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1771 ev_run (loop, 0);
1266 1772
1267 1773
1268=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1774=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1269 1775
1270Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1776Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1275year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1781year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1276detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1782detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1277monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1783monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1278 1784
1279The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1785The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1280passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1786passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1281then order of execution is undefined. 1787might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1788same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1789before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1790no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1791
1792=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1793
1794Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1795recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1796you want to raise some error after a while.
1797
1798What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1799inefficient to smart and efficient.
1800
1801In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1802gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1803data or other life sign was received).
1804
1805=over 4
1806
1807=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1808
1809This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1810start the watcher:
1811
1812 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1813 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1814
1815Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1816and start it again:
1817
1818 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1819 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1820 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1821
1822This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1823some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1824data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1825still not a constant-time operation.
1826
1827=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1828
1829This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1830C<ev_timer_start>.
1831
1832To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1833of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1834successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1835you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1836the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1837
1838That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1839C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1840member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1841
1842At start:
1843
1844 ev_init (timer, callback);
1845 timer->repeat = 60.;
1846 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1847
1848Each time there is some activity:
1849
1850 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1851
1852It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1853whether the watcher is active or not:
1854
1855 timer->repeat = 30.;
1856 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1857
1858This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1859you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1860remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1861
1862It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1863
1864=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1865
1866This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1867relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1868our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1869associated activity resets.
1870
1871In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1872but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1873within the callback:
1874
1875 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1876
1877 static void
1878 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1879 {
1880 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1881 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1882
1883 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1884 if (timeout < now)
1885 {
1886 // timeout occurred, take action
1887 }
1888 else
1889 {
1890 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1891 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1892 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1893 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1894 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1895 }
1896 }
1897
1898To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1899as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1900been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1901the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1902re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1903a timeout then.
1904
1905Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1906C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1907
1908This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1909minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1910libev to change the timeout.
1911
1912To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1913to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1914callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1915
1916 ev_init (timer, callback);
1917 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1918 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1919
1920And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1921C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1922
1923 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1924
1925This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1926time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1927
1928Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1929callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1930fix things for you.
1931
1932=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1933
1934If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1935employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1936do even better:
1937
1938When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1939at the I<end> of the list.
1940
1941Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1942the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1943
1944When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1945the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1946update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1947
1948This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1949starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1950complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1951ensures that the list stays sorted.
1952
1953=back
1954
1955So which method the best?
1956
1957Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1958situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1959better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1960one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1961
1962Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1963rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1964off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1965overkill :)
1282 1966
1283=head3 The special problem of time updates 1967=head3 The special problem of time updates
1284 1968
1285Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1969Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1286least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1970least 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 1971time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1288growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1972growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1289lots of events in one iteration. 1973lots of events in one iteration.
1290 1974
1291The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1975The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1292time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1976time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1298 1982
1299If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1983If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1300update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1984update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1301()>. 1985()>.
1302 1986
1987=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1988
1989When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1990can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1991
1992Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1993all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1994to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1995system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1996was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1997towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1998clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1999long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
2000be adjusted accordingly.
2001
2002I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
2003operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
2004
2005The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
2006time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
2007is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
2008then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
2009will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
2010use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
2011
2012It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
2013and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
2014deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
2015C<SIGSTOP>).
2016
1303=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2017=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1304 2018
1305=over 4 2019=over 4
1306 2020
1307=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2021=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1330If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2044If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1331 2045
1332If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2046If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1333C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2047C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1334 2048
1335This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 2049This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1336example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 2050usage 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 2051
1345That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> 2052=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1346altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1347 2053
1348 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 2054Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1349 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 2055then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1350 ... 2056the timeout value currently configured.
1351 timer->again = 17.;
1352 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1353 ...
1354 timer->again = 10.;
1355 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1356 2057
1357This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 2058That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1358you want to modify its timeout value. 2059C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1359 2060will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1360Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the 2061roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1361time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the 2062too), and so on.
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 2063
1366=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2064=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1367 2065
1368The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2066The 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), 2067or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1374=head3 Examples 2072=head3 Examples
1375 2073
1376Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 2074Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1377 2075
1378 static void 2076 static void
1379 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 2077 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1380 { 2078 {
1381 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 2079 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1382 } 2080 }
1383 2081
1384 struct ev_timer mytimer; 2082 ev_timer mytimer;
1385 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 2083 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1386 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 2084 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1387 2085
1388Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 2086Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1389inactivity. 2087inactivity.
1390 2088
1391 static void 2089 static void
1392 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 2090 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1393 { 2091 {
1394 .. ten seconds without any activity 2092 .. ten seconds without any activity
1395 } 2093 }
1396 2094
1397 struct ev_timer mytimer; 2095 ev_timer mytimer;
1398 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2096 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1399 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2097 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1400 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2098 ev_run (loop, 0);
1401 2099
1402 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2100 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1403 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2101 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1404 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2102 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1405 2103
1407=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 2105=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1408 2106
1409Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2107Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1410(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2108(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1411 2109
1412Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 2110Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1413but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 2111relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1414to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 2112(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1415periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 2113difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1416+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 2114time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1417clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 2115wrist-watch).
1418to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1419roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1420 2116
2117You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2118in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
2119seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
2120not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
2121year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
2122C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2123it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2124
1421C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 2125C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1422such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 2126timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1423complicated rules. 2127other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
2128those cannot react to time jumps.
1424 2129
1425As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2130As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1426time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 2131point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1427during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 2132timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2133earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2134(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1428 2135
1429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2136=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1430 2137
1431=over 4 2138=over 4
1432 2139
1433=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2140=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1434 2141
1435=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 2142=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1436 2143
1437Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 2144Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1438operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 2145operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1439 2146
1440=over 4 2147=over 4
1441 2148
1442=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2149=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1443 2150
1444In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 2151In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1445time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 2152time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1446jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 2153time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1447only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 2154will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2155this point in time.
1448 2156
1449=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2157=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1450 2158
1451In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2159In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1452C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2160C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1453and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2161negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2162argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1454 2163
1455This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 2164This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1456system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 2165system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1457hour, on the hour: 2166hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1458 2167
1459 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2168 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1460 2169
1461This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2170This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1462but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 2171but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1463full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 2172full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1464by 3600. 2173by 3600.
1465 2174
1466Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2175Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1467C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2176C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1468time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2177time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1469 2178
1470For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2179For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1471C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2180C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1472this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2181this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1473 2182
1474Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2183Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1475speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2184speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1476will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2185will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1477millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2186millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1478 2187
1479=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2188=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1480 2189
1481In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2190In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1482ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2191ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1483reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2192reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1484current time as second argument. 2193current time as second argument.
1485 2194
1486NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2195NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1487ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2196or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2197allowed by documentation here>.
1488 2198
1489If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2199If 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 2200it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1491only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2201only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1492 2202
1493The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 2203The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1494*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 2204*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1495 2205
2206 static ev_tstamp
1496 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2207 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1497 { 2208 {
1498 return now + 60.; 2209 return now + 60.;
1499 } 2210 }
1500 2211
1501It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 2212It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1521a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2232a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1522program when the crontabs have changed). 2233program when the crontabs have changed).
1523 2234
1524=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2235=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1525 2236
1526When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2237When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1527trigger next. 2238to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2239C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2240rescheduling modes.
1528 2241
1529=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2242=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1530 2243
1531When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2244When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1532absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2245absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2246although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1533 2247
1534Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2248Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1535timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2249timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1536 2250
1537=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2251=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1538 2252
1539The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 2253The 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 2254take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1541called. 2255called.
1542 2256
1543=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 2257=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1544 2258
1545The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 2259The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1546switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 2260switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1547the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2261the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1548 2262
1553Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2267Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1554system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2268system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1555potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2269potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1556 2270
1557 static void 2271 static void
1558 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 2272 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1559 { 2273 {
1560 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2274 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1561 } 2275 }
1562 2276
1563 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2277 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1564 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 2278 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1565 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2279 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1566 2280
1567Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 2281Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1568 2282
1569 #include <math.h> 2283 #include <math.h>
1570 2284
1571 static ev_tstamp 2285 static ev_tstamp
1572 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2286 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1573 { 2287 {
1574 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 2288 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1575 } 2289 }
1576 2290
1577 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 2291 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1578 2292
1579Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 2293Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1580 2294
1581 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2295 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1582 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2296 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1583 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2297 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1584 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2298 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1585 2299
1586 2300
1587=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2301=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1588 2302
1589Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2303Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1590signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2304signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1591will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2305will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1592normal event processing, like any other event. 2306normal event processing, like any other event.
1593 2307
1594If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2308If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1595do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2309C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1596C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2310the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2311synchronously wake up an event loop.
1597 2312
1598You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2313You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2314only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2315default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2316C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2317the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2318
1599first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2319When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1600with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2320with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1601you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2321you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1602the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1603signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1604 2322
1605If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2323If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1606C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2324C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1607interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2325not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1608signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2326interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1609them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2327and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2328
2329=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2330
2331Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2332(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2333stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2334and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2335
2336While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2337sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2338C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2339certain signals to be blocked.
2340
2341This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2342the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2343choice usually).
2344
2345The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2346to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2347catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2348
2349In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2350unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2351the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2352I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2353
2354So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2355you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2356is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2357
2358=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2359
2360POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2361a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2362threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2363
2364When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2365for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2366all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2367sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2368loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2369these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2370in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
1610 2371
1611=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2372=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1612 2373
1613=over 4 2374=over 4
1614 2375
1625 2386
1626=back 2387=back
1627 2388
1628=head3 Examples 2389=head3 Examples
1629 2390
1630Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2391Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1631 2392
1632 static void 2393 static void
1633 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2394 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1634 { 2395 {
1635 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2396 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1636 } 2397 }
1637 2398
1638 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2399 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1639 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2400 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1640 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2401 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1641 2402
1642 2403
1643=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2404=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1644 2405
1645Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 2406Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1646some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2407some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1647exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child 2408exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1648has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2409has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1649as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e., 2410as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1650forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2411forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1651but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2412but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1652not. 2413in the next callback invocation is not.
1653 2414
1654Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2415Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1655you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2416you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1656 2417
2418Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2419handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2420libev)
2421
1657=head3 Process Interaction 2422=head3 Process Interaction
1658 2423
1659Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2424Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1660initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2425initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1661the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2426first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1662of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2427of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1663synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2428synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1664children, even ones not watched. 2429children, even ones not watched.
1665 2430
1666=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2431=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1676=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2441=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1677 2442
1678Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2443Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1679child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2444child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1680callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2445callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1681when a child exit is detected. 2446when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2447problem).
1682 2448
1683=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2449=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1684 2450
1685=over 4 2451=over 4
1686 2452
1718its completion. 2484its completion.
1719 2485
1720 ev_child cw; 2486 ev_child cw;
1721 2487
1722 static void 2488 static void
1723 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 2489 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1724 { 2490 {
1725 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 2491 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1726 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 2492 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1727 } 2493 }
1728 2494
1743 2509
1744 2510
1745=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2511=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1746 2512
1747This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2513This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1748C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2514C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1749compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2515and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2516it did.
1750 2517
1751The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2518The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1752not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2519not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1753not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2520exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1754otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2521C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1755the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2522least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2523contents.
1756 2524
1757The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2525The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2526C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1758relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2527your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1759 2528
1760Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable 2529Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1761implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if 2530portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1762it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for 2531to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1763this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) 2532interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1764then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which 2533recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1765you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change 2534(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1766dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently 2535change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1767around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill. 2536currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1768 2537
1769This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2538This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1770as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2539as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1771resource-intensive. 2540resource-intensive.
1772 2541
1773At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented 2542At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1774is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as 2543is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1775an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way 2544exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1776of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue). 2545implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1777 2546
1778=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 2547=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1779 2548
1780Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 2549Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1781compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 2550compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1782support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 2551support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1783structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 2552structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1784use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 2553use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1785compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 2554compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1786obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 2555obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1787most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 2556most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1788 2557
1789The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 2558The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1790file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 2559file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1791optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 2560optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1792to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 2561to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1793default compilation environment. 2562default compilation environment.
1794 2563
1795=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 2564=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1796 2565
1797When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2566When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1798available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2567runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1799change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2568inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1800when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2569watcher is being started.
1801 2570
1802Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2571Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1803except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2572except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1804making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 2573making 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, 2574there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1806but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling. 2575but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2576many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2577a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2578xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1807 2579
1808There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2580There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1809implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2581implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1810descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 2582descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1811etc. is difficult. 2583etc. is difficult.
1812 2584
2585=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2586
2587Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2588the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2589()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2590
2591For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2592busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2593as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2594watcher).
2595
2596For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2597time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2598often takes multiple milliseconds.
2599
2600Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2601paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
2602
1813=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2603=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1814 2604
1815The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2605The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1816even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still 2606and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1817only support whole seconds. 2607still only support whole seconds.
1818 2608
1819That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2609That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1820easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2610easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1821calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2611calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1822within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the 2612within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1965 2755
1966=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2756=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1967 2757
1968=over 4 2758=over 4
1969 2759
1970=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2760=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1971 2761
1972Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2762Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1973kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2763kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1974believe me. 2764believe me.
1975 2765
1979 2769
1980Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2770Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1981callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2771callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1982 2772
1983 static void 2773 static void
1984 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2774 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1985 { 2775 {
1986 free (w); 2776 free (w);
1987 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2777 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1988 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2778 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1989 } 2779 }
1990 2780
1991 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2781 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1992 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2782 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1993 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2783 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1994 2784
1995 2785
1996=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2786=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1997 2787
1998Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2788Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1999prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2789prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2000afterwards. 2790afterwards.
2001 2791
2002You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2792You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2003the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2793the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2004watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2794watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2005rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2795rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2006those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2796those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2007C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2797C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2077 2867
2078 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2868 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2079 static ev_timer tw; 2869 static ev_timer tw;
2080 2870
2081 static void 2871 static void
2082 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2872 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2083 { 2873 {
2084 } 2874 }
2085 2875
2086 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2876 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2087 static void 2877 static void
2088 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2878 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2089 { 2879 {
2090 int timeout = 3600000; 2880 int timeout = 3600000;
2091 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2881 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2092 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2882 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2093 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2883 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2094 2884
2095 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2885 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2096 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2886 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2097 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2887 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2098 2888
2099 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2889 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2100 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2890 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2101 { 2891 {
2108 } 2898 }
2109 } 2899 }
2110 2900
2111 // stop all watchers after blocking 2901 // stop all watchers after blocking
2112 static void 2902 static void
2113 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2903 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2114 { 2904 {
2115 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2905 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2116 2906
2117 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2907 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2118 { 2908 {
2175 2965
2176 if (timeout >= 0) 2966 if (timeout >= 0)
2177 // create/start timer 2967 // create/start timer
2178 2968
2179 // poll 2969 // poll
2180 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2970 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2181 2971
2182 // stop timer again 2972 // stop timer again
2183 if (timeout >= 0) 2973 if (timeout >= 0)
2184 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2974 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2185 2975
2214some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 3004some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2215and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 3005and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2216this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all 3006this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2217the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 3007the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2218 3008
2219As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 3009As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2220there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 3010time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2221call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 3011must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2222their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 3012sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2223loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 3013C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2224to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 3014to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2225embedded loop sweep.
2226 3015
2227As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 3016You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2228callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 3017will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2229set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2230interested in that.
2231 3018
2232Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 3019Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2233when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 3020is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2234but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 3021embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2235yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 3022C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2236and future versions of libev might do just that.
2237 3023
2238Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 3024Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2239C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 3025C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2240portable one. 3026portable one.
2241 3027
2242So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 3028So 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 3029that 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 3030this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2245create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 3031create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
3032
3033=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
3034
3035While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
3036automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
3037fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
3038however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
3039as applicable.
2246 3040
2247=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3041=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2248 3042
2249=over 4 3043=over 4
2250 3044
2259if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3053if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2260 3054
2261=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3055=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2262 3056
2263Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3057Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2264similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3058similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2265appropriate way for embedded loops. 3059appropriate way for embedded loops.
2266 3060
2267=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3061=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2268 3062
2269The embedded event loop. 3063The embedded event loop.
2278C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 3072C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2279used). 3073used).
2280 3074
2281 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3075 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2282 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3076 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2283 struct ev_embed embed; 3077 ev_embed embed;
2284 3078
2285 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3079 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2286 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3080 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2287 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3081 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2288 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3082 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2302kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 3096kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2303C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3097C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2304 3098
2305 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3099 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2306 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3100 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2307 struct ev_embed embed; 3101 ev_embed embed;
2308 3102
2309 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3103 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2310 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3104 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2311 { 3105 {
2312 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3106 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2327event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3121event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2328and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3122and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2329C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3123C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2330handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3124handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2331 3125
3126=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3127
3128Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3129up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3130sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3131
3132This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3133in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3134fork.
3135
3136The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3137forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3138when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3139
3140When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3141wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3142supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3143process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3144
3145The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3146simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3147use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3148memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3149disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3150signal watchers).
3151
3152When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3153other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3154C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3155Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3156watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3157those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3158signal watchers.
3159
2332=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3160=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2333 3161
2334=over 4 3162=over 4
2335 3163
2336=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3164=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2337 3165
2338Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3166Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2339kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3167kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2340believe me. 3168really.
2341 3169
2342=back 3170=back
2343 3171
2344 3172
3173=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3174
3175Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3176by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3177
3178While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3179watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3180program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3181loop when you want them to be invoked.
3182
3183Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3184all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3185makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3186can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3187
3188=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3189
3190=over 4
3191
3192=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3193
3194Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3195any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3196pointless, I assure you.
3197
3198=back
3199
3200Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3201cleanup functions are called.
3202
3203 static void
3204 program_exits (void)
3205 {
3206 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3207 }
3208
3209 ...
3210 atexit (program_exits);
3211
3212
2345=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3213=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2346 3214
2347In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3215In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2348asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3216asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2349loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3217loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2350 3218
2351Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3219Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2352control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3220for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2353C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3221watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2354can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3222it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2355safe.
2356 3223
2357This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3224This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2358too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3225too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2359(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3226(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2360C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3227C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3228of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3229signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3230even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
2361 3231
2362Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3232Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2363just the default loop. 3233just the default loop.
2364 3234
2365=head3 Queueing 3235=head3 Queueing
2366 3236
2367C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3237C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2368is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3238is 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 3239multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2370need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3240need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3241semantics.
2371 3242
2372That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3243That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2373queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3244queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2374queue: 3245queue:
2375 3246
2376=over 4 3247=over 4
2377 3248
2378=item queueing from a signal handler context 3249=item queueing from a signal handler context
2379 3250
2380To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 3251To 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 3252handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2382some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler: 3253an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2383 3254
2384 static ev_async mysig; 3255 static ev_async mysig;
2385 3256
2386 static void 3257 static void
2387 sigusr1_handler (void) 3258 sigusr1_handler (void)
2453=over 4 3324=over 4
2454 3325
2455=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 3326=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2456 3327
2457Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 3328Initialises 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, 3329kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2459trust me. 3330trust me.
2460 3331
2461=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3332=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2462 3333
2463Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3334Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2464an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3335an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2465C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3336C<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 3337similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2467section below on what exactly this means). 3338section below on what exactly this means).
2468 3339
3340Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3341compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3342is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3343reset when the event loop detects that).
3344
2469This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3345This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2470so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3346iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2471calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3347repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2472 3348
2473=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3349=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2474 3350
2475Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3351Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2476watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3352watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2479C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3355C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2480the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 3356the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2481it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 3357it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2482quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 3358quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2483 3359
2484Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3360Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2485whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3361only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3362is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3363notification, and the callback being invoked.
2486 3364
2487=back 3365=back
2488 3366
2489 3367
2490=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3368=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2494=over 4 3372=over 4
2495 3373
2496=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3374=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2497 3375
2498This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3376This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2499callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 3377callback 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 3378watchers. 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 3379or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2502more watchers yourself. 3380more watchers yourself.
2503 3381
2504If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 3382If 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 3383C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2506C<events> set will be created and started. 3384the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2507 3385
2508If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3386If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2509started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3387started. 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 3388repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2511dubious value.
2512 3389
2513The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3390The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2514passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3391passed 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> 3392C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2516value passed to C<ev_once>: 3393value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3394a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3395events precedence.
3396
3397Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2517 3398
2518 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3399 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2519 { 3400 {
3401 if (revents & EV_READ)
3402 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2520 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3403 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2521 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3404 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2522 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2523 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2524 } 3405 }
2525 3406
2526 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3407 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2527 3408
2528=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2529
2530Feeds 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
2532initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2533
2534=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3409=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2535 3410
2536Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3411Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2537the given events it. 3412the given events it.
2538 3413
2539=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3414=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2540 3415
2541Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3416Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
2542loop!). 3417which is async-safe.
3418
3419=back
3420
3421
3422=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3423
3424This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3425obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3426section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3427
3428=over 4
3429
3430=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3431
3432Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3433I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3434invoking C<ev_run>.
3435
3436This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3437main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3438a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3439and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3440other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3441
3442The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3443invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3444triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3445
3446 // main loop
3447 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3448
3449 while (!exit_main_loop)
3450 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3451
3452 // in a model watcher
3453 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3454
3455 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457
3458To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3459
3460 // exit modal loop
3461 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3462
3463 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3464 exit_main_loop = 1;
3465
3466 // exit both
3467 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
2543 3468
2544=back 3469=back
2545 3470
2546 3471
2547=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3472=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
2548 3473
2549Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3474Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
2550emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3475emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
2551 3476
2552=over 4 3477=over 4
3478
3479=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3480
3481This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3482and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
2553 3483
2554=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3484=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
2555 3485
2556=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3486=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
2557ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3487ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
2563=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3493=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2564will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3494will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2565is an ev_pri field. 3495is an ev_pri field.
2566 3496
2567=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3497=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2568first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3498base that registered the signal gets the signals.
2569 3499
2570=item * Other members are not supported. 3500=item * Other members are not supported.
2571 3501
2572=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3502=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2573to use the libev header file and library. 3503to use the libev header file and library.
2592Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3522Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
2593classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3523classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2594that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3524that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2595you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3525you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2596 3526
2597Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3527Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
2598used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3528with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
2599need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3529to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
2600types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3530you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
2601it). 3531(preferably after implementing it).
2602 3532
2603Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3533Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
2604 3534
2605=over 4 3535=over 4
2606 3536
2624 3554
2625=over 4 3555=over 4
2626 3556
2627=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3557=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2628 3558
2629=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3559=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2630 3560
2631=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3561=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2632 3562
2633The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3563The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2634with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3564with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2666 3596
2667 myclass obj; 3597 myclass obj;
2668 ev::io iow; 3598 ev::io iow;
2669 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3599 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2670 3600
3601=item w->set (object *)
3602
3603This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3604will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3605functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3606the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3607list.
3608
3609The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3610int revents)>.
3611
3612See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3613
3614Example: use a functor object as callback.
3615
3616 struct myfunctor
3617 {
3618 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3619 {
3620 ...
3621 }
3622 }
3623
3624 myfunctor f;
3625
3626 ev::io w;
3627 w.set (&f);
3628
2671=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3629=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2672 3630
2673Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3631Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2674callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3632callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2675C<data> member and is free for you to use. 3633C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2681Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3639Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2682 3640
2683 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3641 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2684 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3642 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2685 3643
2686=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3644=item w->set (loop)
2687 3645
2688Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3646Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2689do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3647do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2690 3648
2691=item w->set ([arguments]) 3649=item w->set ([arguments])
2692 3650
2693Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3651Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
2694called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3652method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
2695automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3653C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
2696method. 3654when reconfiguring it with this method.
2697 3655
2698=item w->start () 3656=item w->start ()
2699 3657
2700Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3658Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2701constructor already stores the event loop. 3659constructor already stores the event loop.
2702 3660
3661=item w->start ([arguments])
3662
3663Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3664convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3665the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3666
2703=item w->stop () 3667=item w->stop ()
2704 3668
2705Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3669Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2706 3670
2707=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3671=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
2719 3683
2720=back 3684=back
2721 3685
2722=back 3686=back
2723 3687
2724Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3688Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
2725the constructor. 3689watchers in the constructor.
2726 3690
2727 class myclass 3691 class myclass
2728 { 3692 {
2729 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3693 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3694 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2730 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3695 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2731 3696
2732 myclass (int fd) 3697 myclass (int fd)
2733 { 3698 {
2734 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3699 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3700 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
2735 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3701 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2736 3702
2737 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3703 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3704 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3705
3706 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
2738 } 3707 }
2739 }; 3708 };
2740 3709
2741 3710
2742=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3711=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2761L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3730L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2762 3731
2763=item Python 3732=item Python
2764 3733
2765Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3734Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2766seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the 3735seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
2767patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2768for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2769libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2770libev).
2771 3736
2772=item Ruby 3737=item Ruby
2773 3738
2774Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3739Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2775of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3740of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2776more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 3741more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2777L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3742L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2778 3743
3744Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3745makes rev work even on mingw.
3746
3747=item Haskell
3748
3749A haskell binding to libev is available at
3750L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3751
2779=item D 3752=item D
2780 3753
2781Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3754Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2782be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3755be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3756
3757=item Ocaml
3758
3759Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3760L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3761
3762=item Lua
3763
3764Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3765time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3766L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
2783 3767
2784=back 3768=back
2785 3769
2786 3770
2787=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3771=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2801loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3785loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2802C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3786C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2803 3787
2804 ev_unref (EV_A); 3788 ev_unref (EV_A);
2805 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3789 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2806 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3790 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2807 3791
2808It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3792It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2809which is often provided by the following macro. 3793which is often provided by the following macro.
2810 3794
2811=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3795=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2851 } 3835 }
2852 3836
2853 ev_check check; 3837 ev_check check;
2854 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3838 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2855 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3839 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2856 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3840 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2857 3841
2858=head1 EMBEDDING 3842=head1 EMBEDDING
2859 3843
2860Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2861applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2888 3872
2889 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3873 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2890 #include "ev.h" 3874 #include "ev.h"
2891 3875
2892Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3876Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2893compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3877compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2894as a bug). 3878as a bug).
2895 3879
2896You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3880You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2897in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3881in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2898 3882
2941 libev.m4 3925 libev.m4
2942 3926
2943=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3927=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2944 3928
2945Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3929Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2946define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3930define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
2947autoconf is documented for every option. 3931the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3932
3933Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3934values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3935to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3936to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3937users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3938settings.
2948 3939
2949=over 4 3940=over 4
2950 3941
3942=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3943
3944Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3945release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3946have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3947
3948You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3949versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3950sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3951from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3952typedef in that case.
3953
3954In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3955and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3956removed completely.
3957
2951=item EV_STANDALONE 3958=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
2952 3959
2953Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3960Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2954keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3961keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2955implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3962implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2956supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3963supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2957F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3964F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2958 3965
3966In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3967configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3968
2959=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3969=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2960 3970
2961If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3971If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2962monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use 3972monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2963of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3973use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2964usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3974you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2965the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3975when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2966to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3976to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2967function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3977function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2968 3978
2969=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3979=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2970 3980
2971If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3981If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2972real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at 3982real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2973runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3983at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2974be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3984option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2975(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3985by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2976note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3986correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3987C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3988C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3989
3990=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3991
3992If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3993of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3994exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3995unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3996programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3997theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3998the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3999higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2977 4000
2978=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 4001=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2979 4002
2980If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 4003If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2981and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 4004and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2997 4020
2998=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 4021=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2999 4022
3000If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 4023If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
3001structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 4024structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
3002C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on 4025C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
3003exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 4026on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3004low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 4027some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3005allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 4028only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3006influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 4029configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3007 4030
3008=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 4031=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3009 4032
3010When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 4033When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3011select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 4034select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3013be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 4036be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3014C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 4037C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3015it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 4038it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3016on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 4039on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3017 4040
3018=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 4041=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3019 4042
3020If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 4043If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3021file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 4044file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3022default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 4045default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3023correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 4046correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3024in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 4047in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
4048
4049=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
4050
4051If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
4052using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
4053their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
4054to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
4055
4056=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
4057
4058If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4059macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4060file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4061the underlying OS handle.
3025 4062
3026=item EV_USE_POLL 4063=item EV_USE_POLL
3027 4064
3028If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4065If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3029backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4066backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3076as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4113as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3077 4114
3078In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4115In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3079(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4116(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3080 4117
3081=item EV_H 4118=item EV_H (h)
3082 4119
3083The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4120The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3084undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4121undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3085used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4122used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3086 4123
3087=item EV_CONFIG_H 4124=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3088 4125
3089If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4126If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3090F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4127F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3091C<EV_H>, above. 4128C<EV_H>, above.
3092 4129
3093=item EV_EVENT_H 4130=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3094 4131
3095Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4132Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3096of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4133of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3097 4134
3098=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4135=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3099 4136
3100If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4137If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3101prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4138prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3102occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4139occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3103around libev functions. 4140around libev functions.
3125fine. 4162fine.
3126 4163
3127If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4164If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3128both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4165both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3129 4166
3130=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4167=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4168EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4169EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3131 4170
3132If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4171If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3133defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4172the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3134code. 4173is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3135 4174
3136=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4175=item EV_FEATURES
3137
3138If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3139defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3140code.
3141
3142=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3143
3144If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3145defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3146watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3147
3148=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3149
3150If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3151defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3152
3153=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3154
3155If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3156defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3157
3158=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3159
3160If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3161defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3162
3163=item EV_MINIMAL
3164 4176
3165If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4177If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3166speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4178speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3167inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4179certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3168much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4180that can be enabled on the platform.
4181
4182A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4183with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4184additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4185but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4186backend, use this:
4187
4188 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4189 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4190 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4191 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4192 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4193
4194The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4195values:
4196
4197=over 4
4198
4199=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4200
4201Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4202
4203Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4204code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4205
4206When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4207gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4208assertions.
4209
4210=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4211
4212Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4213hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4214and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4215runtime.
4216
4217=item C<4> - full API configuration
4218
4219This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4220enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4221
4222=item C<8> - full API
4223
4224This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4225details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4226feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4227
4228=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4229
4230Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4231only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4232embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4233C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4234
4235=item C<32> - enable all backends
4236
4237This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4238least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4239
4240=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4241
4242Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4243default.
4244
4245=back
4246
4247Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4248reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4249code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4250watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4251
4252With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4253when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4254your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4255I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4256
4257=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4258
4259If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4260functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4261somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4262libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4263big.
4264
4265Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4266enabled.
4267
4268=item EV_NSIG
4269
4270The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4271signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4272automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4273specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4274good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4275statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3169 4276
3170=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4277=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3171 4278
3172C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4279C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3173pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4280pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3174than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4281usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3175increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4282might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3176 4283
3177=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4284=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3178 4285
3179C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4286C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3180inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4287inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3181usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4288disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3182watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4289C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3183two). 4290power of two).
3184 4291
3185=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4292=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3186 4293
3187Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4294Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3188timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4295timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3189to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4296to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3190faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4297faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3191 4298
3192The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4299The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3193(disabled). 4300will be C<0>.
3194 4301
3195=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4302=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3196 4303
3197Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4304Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3198timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4305timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3199the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4306the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3200which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4307which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3201but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4308but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3202noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4309noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3203 4310
3204The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4311The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3205(disabled). 4312will be C<0>.
3206 4313
3207=item EV_VERIFY 4314=item EV_VERIFY
3208 4315
3209Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4316Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3210be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4317be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3211in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4318in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3212called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4319called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3213called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4320called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3214verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4321verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3215libev considerably. 4322libev considerably.
3216 4323
3217The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4324The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3218C<0>. 4325will be C<0>.
3219 4326
3220=item EV_COMMON 4327=item EV_COMMON
3221 4328
3222By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4329By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3223this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4330this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3224members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4331members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3225though, and it must be identical each time. 4332though, and it must be identical each time.
3226 4333
3227For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4334For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3228 4335
3281file. 4388file.
3282 4389
3283The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4390The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3284that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4391that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3285 4392
3286 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4393 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3287 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4394 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3288 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3289 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4395 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4396 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3290 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4397 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3291 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4398 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4399 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3292 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4400 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3293 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3294 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3295 4401
3296 #include "ev++.h" 4402 #include "ev++.h"
3297 4403
3298And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4404And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3299 4405
3300 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4406 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3301 #include "ev.c" 4407 #include "ev.c"
3302 4408
4409=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3303 4410
3304=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4411=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3305 4412
3306=head2 THREADS 4413=head3 THREADS
3307 4414
3308All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly 4415All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3309documented otherwise, but it uses no locking itself. This means that you 4416documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3310can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there are no 4417that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3311concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop parameter 4418are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3312(C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter, of 4419parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3313course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data 4420of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3314structures that need any locking. 4421structures that need any locking.
3315 4422
3316Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done 4423Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3317concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter 4424concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3318must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as 4425must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3358default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4465default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3359watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4466watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3360 4467
3361=back 4468=back
3362 4469
4470=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4471
4472Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4473thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4474created/added/removed.
4475
4476For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4477which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4478languages).
4479
4480The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4481variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4482event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4483
4484First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4485
4486 typedef struct {
4487 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4488 ev_async async_w;
4489 thread_t tid;
4490 cond_t invoke_cv;
4491 } userdata;
4492
4493 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4494 {
4495 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4496 static userdata u;
4497
4498 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4499 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4500
4501 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4502 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4503
4504 // now associate this with the loop
4505 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4506 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4507 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4508
4509 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4510 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4511 }
4512
4513The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4514solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4515that might have been added:
4516
4517 static void
4518 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4519 {
4520 // just used for the side effects
4521 }
4522
4523The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4524protecting the loop data, respectively.
4525
4526 static void
4527 l_release (EV_P)
4528 {
4529 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4530 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4531 }
4532
4533 static void
4534 l_acquire (EV_P)
4535 {
4536 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4537 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4538 }
4539
4540The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4541into C<ev_run>:
4542
4543 void *
4544 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4545 {
4546 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4547
4548 l_acquire (EV_A);
4549 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4550 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4551 l_release (EV_A);
4552
4553 return 0;
4554 }
4555
4556Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4557signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4558writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4559have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4560and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4561watchers is very beneficial):
4562
4563 static void
4564 l_invoke (EV_P)
4565 {
4566 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4567
4568 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4569 {
4570 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4571 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4572 }
4573 }
4574
4575Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4576will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4577thread to continue:
4578
4579 static void
4580 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4581 {
4582 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4583
4584 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4585 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4586 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4587 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4588 }
4589
4590Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4591event loop, you will now have to lock:
4592
4593 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4594 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4595
4596 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4597
4598 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4599 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4600 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4601 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4602
4603Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4604an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4605about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4606watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4607
3363=head2 COROUTINES 4608=head3 COROUTINES
3364 4609
3365Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4610Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3366libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 4611libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3367coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4612coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3368different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4613different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3369loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4614the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3370you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4615that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3371 4616
3372Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4617Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3373C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine switches. 4618C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4619they do not call any callbacks.
3374 4620
4621=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3375 4622
3376=head1 COMPLEXITIES 4623Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4624lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
4625scared by this.
3377 4626
3378In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 4627However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3379libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 4628has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3380documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 4629warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
4630targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3381 4631
3382All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 4632Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3383extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 4633workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3384happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 4634maintainable.
3385mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3386it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3387 4635
3388=over 4 4636And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4637wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4638seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4639warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4640been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4641such buggy versions.
3389 4642
3390=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 4643While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4644"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4645with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
4646them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
4647warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3391 4648
3392This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3393there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3394have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3395 4649
3396=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 4650=head2 VALGRIND
3397 4651
3398That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 4652Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3399as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 4653highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3400 4654
3401=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 4655If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
4656in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3402 4657
3403These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 4658 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
4659 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
4660 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3404 4661
3405=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 4662Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
4663is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3406 4664
3407=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 4665Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
4666as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
4667although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
4668confused.
3408 4669
3409These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 4670Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3410correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 4671make it into some kind of religion.
3411have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3412 4672
3413=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 4673If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
4674with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
4675is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
4676annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
4677of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3414 4678
3415By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a 4679If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3416fixed position in the storage array. 4680I suggest using suppression lists.
3417 4681
3418=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3419 4682
3420A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 4683=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3421libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3422on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3423 4684
3424=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 4685=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
3425 4686
3426=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 4687GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4688interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
3427 4689
3428Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 4690That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
3429priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 4691files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
3430linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3431watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3432 4692
3433=item Sending an ev_async: O(1) 4693Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4694by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4695standard libev compiled for their system.
3434 4696
3435=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 4697Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4698suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4699i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
3436 4700
3437=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 4701=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
3438 4702
3439Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 4703The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
3440calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 4704you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
3441involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4705OpenGL drivers.
3442 4706
3443=back 4707=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
3444 4708
4709The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4710only sockets, many support pipes.
3445 4711
4712Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4713rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4714loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4715probably going to work well.
4716
4717=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4718
4719Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4720implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4721release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4722
4723Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4724this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4725a loop.
4726
4727=head3 C<select> is buggy
4728
4729All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4730one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4731descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4732you use more.
4733
4734There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4735C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4736work on OS/X.
4737
4738=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4739
4740=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4741
4742The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4743thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4744without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4745defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4746
4747If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4748it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4749
4750=head3 Event port backend
4751
4752The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4753ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4754releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4755a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4756and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4757are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4758great.
4759
4760If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4761the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4762C<select> backends.
4763
4764=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4765
4766AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4767this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4768compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4769with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4770
3446=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4771=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4772
4773=head3 General issues
3447 4774
3448Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4775Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3449requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4776requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3450model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4777model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3451the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4778the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3452descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4779descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3453e.g. cygwin. 4780e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4781as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4782environment.
3454 4783
3455Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4784Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3456re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4785re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3457things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4786then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3458way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4787also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3459 4788
3460There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4789There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3461embedding it into other applications. 4790embedding it into other applications.
4791
4792Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4793tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3462 4794
3463Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4795Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3464accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4796accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3465either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4797either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3466so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 4798so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3471the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4803the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3472is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4804is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3473more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4805more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3474different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4806different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3475notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4807notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3476(Microsoft monopoly games). 4808(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3477 4809
3478A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4810A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3479section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead 4811section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3480of F<ev.h>: 4812of F<ev.h>:
3481 4813
3488you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4820you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3489 4821
3490 #include "evwrap.h" 4822 #include "evwrap.h"
3491 #include "ev.c" 4823 #include "ev.c"
3492 4824
3493=over 4
3494
3495=item The winsocket select function 4825=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3496 4826
3497The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4827The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3498requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4828requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3499also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4829also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3500requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4830requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3509 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4839 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3510 4840
3511Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4841Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3512complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4842complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3513 4843
3514=item Limited number of file descriptors 4844=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3515 4845
3516Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4846Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3517 4847
3518Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4848Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3519of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4849of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3520can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4850can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3521recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4851recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3522previous thread in each. Great). 4852previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3523 4853
3524Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4854Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3525to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4855to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3526call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4856call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3527select emulation on windows). 4857other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3528 4858
3529Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4859Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3530libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4860libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3531or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4861fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3532C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4862by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3533arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4863(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3534libraries.
3535
3536This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4864runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3537windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4865(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3538wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4866you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3539calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4867the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3540 4868
3541=back
3542
3543
3544=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4869=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3545 4870
3546In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few 4871In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3547additional extensions: 4872backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3548 4873
3549=over 4 4874=over 4
3550 4875
3551=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible 4876=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3552calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>. 4877calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3554Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4879Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3555structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4880structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3556assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4881assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3557callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4882callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3558calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4883calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4884
4885=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4886
4887Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4888writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
3559 4889
3560=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4890=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3561 4891
3562The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4892The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3563C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4893C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3577except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 4907except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3578well. 4908well.
3579 4909
3580=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 4910=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3581 4911
3582To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long> 4912To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3583internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On 4913instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3584non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but 4914systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3585is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of 4915least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3586millions of watchers. 4916watchers.
3587 4917
3588=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4918=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3589 4919
3590The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4920The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3591have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4921have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
3592enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4922good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4923(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3593implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4924implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4925IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3594 4926
3595=back 4927=back
3596 4928
3597If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4929If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3598 4930
3599 4931
3600=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS 4932=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3601 4933
3602Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4934In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3603lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 4935libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3604scared by this. 4936the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3605 4937
3606However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler 4938All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3607has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding 4939extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3608warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when 4940happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3609targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version. 4941mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
4942average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3610 4943
3611Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate 4944=over 4
3612workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3613maintainable.
3614 4945
3615And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4946=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3616wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3617seems to warn about).
3618 4947
3619While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4948This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3620"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4949there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3621with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with 4950have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3622them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3623warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3624 4951
4952=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3625 4953
3626=head1 VALGRIND 4954That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
4955as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3627 4956
3628Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is 4957=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3629highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3630 4958
3631If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.) 4959These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3632in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3633 4960
3634 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4961=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3635 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3636 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3637 4962
3638Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances, 4963=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3639valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3640might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3641 4964
3642If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list 4965These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3643with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is 4966correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3644a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is 4967have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3645no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind 4968is rare).
3646properly.
3647 4969
3648If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project 4970=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3649I suggest using suppression lists.
3650 4971
4972By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
4973fixed position in the storage array.
4974
4975=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
4976
4977A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
4978libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
4979on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
4980
4981=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
4982
4983=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
4984
4985Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
4986priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
4987linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
4988watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4989
4990=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4991
4992=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4993
4994=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4995
4996Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4997calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4998involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4999
5000=back
5001
5002
5003=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5004
5005The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
5006
5007At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
5008for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
5009layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5010new API early than late.
5011
5012=over 4
5013
5014=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5015
5016The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5017C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5018section.
5019
5020=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5021
5022These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5023
5024 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5025 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5026
5027=item function/symbol renames
5028
5029A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5030
5031 ev_loop => ev_run
5032 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5033 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5034
5035 ev_unloop => ev_break
5036 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5037 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5038 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5039
5040 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5041
5042 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5043 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5044 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
5045
5046Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
5047C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5048associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5049ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5050as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5051C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5052typedef.
5053
5054=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5055
5056The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5057mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5058and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5059
5060=back
5061
5062
5063=head1 GLOSSARY
5064
5065=over 4
5066
5067=item active
5068
5069A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5070See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5071
5072=item application
5073
5074In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5075
5076=item backend
5077
5078The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
5079
5080=item callback
5081
5082The address of a function that is called when some event has been
5083detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
5084received the event, and the actual event bitset.
5085
5086=item callback/watcher invocation
5087
5088The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
5089
5090=item event
5091
5092A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
5093for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
5094any other events happening anymore.
5095
5096In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
5097C<EV_TIMER>).
5098
5099=item event library
5100
5101A software package implementing an event model and loop.
5102
5103=item event loop
5104
5105An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
5106into callback invocations.
5107
5108=item event model
5109
5110The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
5111watchers and events.
5112
5113=item pending
5114
5115A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5116detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5117
5118=item real time
5119
5120The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5121
5122=item wall-clock time
5123
5124The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5125be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5126clock.
5127
5128=item watcher
5129
5130A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5131to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5132
5133=back
3651 5134
3652=head1 AUTHOR 5135=head1 AUTHOR
3653 5136
3654Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 5137Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5138Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
3655 5139

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